State of Denial
(2008)(The first book in the Chris Gutierrez Mystery series)
A novel by Andi Marquette
Albuquerque Police Detective Chris Gutierrez is not having a "Thank God It's Friday" kind of day. Not only is she on the scene of a murdered young man, buried near the Rio Grande, but she also has to put up with the other detective assigned to the case, the homophobic and sexist Dale Harper.
As if things weren't uncomfortable enough between the two detectives, they soon find out that the young victim was gay, and the trail leads Chris and Harper to another unsolved murder whose victim was also a gay youth. Soon, their suspect is a popular minister at a local mega-church who has spent years working with ex-gay groups. Enlisting the research skills, networks, and expertise of sociologist and long-time best friend K.C. Fontero, Chris works to build the case against Mumford, all too aware what mistakes in such a potentially explosive and high-profile investigation could cost her and the police department.
As Chris strives to prove the case and make an arrest before anyone else dies, she must also face her growing feelings for attorney Dayna Carson. The dangerous nature of police work and Chris's own reticence about romantic relationships are destined to collide. Struggling with her attraction to Dayna and the complexity of a difficult case, Chris is drawn into an ominous and potentially deadly game of cat-and-mouse with a man who harbors dark secrets and who will kill to protect them. Will Chris outsmart a diabolical murderer - or become another victim?
Genre: Mystery
As if things weren't uncomfortable enough between the two detectives, they soon find out that the young victim was gay, and the trail leads Chris and Harper to another unsolved murder whose victim was also a gay youth. Soon, their suspect is a popular minister at a local mega-church who has spent years working with ex-gay groups. Enlisting the research skills, networks, and expertise of sociologist and long-time best friend K.C. Fontero, Chris works to build the case against Mumford, all too aware what mistakes in such a potentially explosive and high-profile investigation could cost her and the police department.
As Chris strives to prove the case and make an arrest before anyone else dies, she must also face her growing feelings for attorney Dayna Carson. The dangerous nature of police work and Chris's own reticence about romantic relationships are destined to collide. Struggling with her attraction to Dayna and the complexity of a difficult case, Chris is drawn into an ominous and potentially deadly game of cat-and-mouse with a man who harbors dark secrets and who will kill to protect them. Will Chris outsmart a diabolical murderer - or become another victim?
Genre: Mystery
Used availability for Andi Marquette's State of Denial