GROUP A BOOKS 2023-2024: 14 Nominated books. Vote for no more than 7.

A14 Type: Private Detective (PI) Stories The Art of Violence, by S. J. Rozan, 2020 / MVLC: 21

Basics · Protagonist: Lydia Chin, a 30-something Chinese American private eye, and Bill Smith, a 40-something Army brat private eye. Is recently released convict Sam Tabor a serial killer, or just a crazy artist? That's what Sam asks Smith to prove, one way or the other. · Setting: Contemporary NY City. · Context: This the 13th book in a series that began in 1994 with China Trade. · % of Amazon readers giving 5-star ratings: 57% · Combined % of Amazon readers giving either 4 OR 5-star ratings: 84% · Total all Amazon ratings this book: 260 Long Form In the latest mystery from S. J. Rozan, Bill Smith and Lydia Chin must track down a serial killer stalking women in New York's contemporary art scene. [Both Lydia and Bill have their own PI businesses, but often assist or collaborate on cases.] Former client Sam Tabor, just out of Greenhaven after a five-year homicide stint, comes to Bill Smith with a strange request. A colossally talented painter whose parole was orchestrated by art world movers and shakers, Sam's convinced that since he's been out he's killed two women. He doesn't remember the killings but he wants Smith, one of the few people he trusts, to investigate and prove him either innocent or guilty. NYPD detective Angela Grimaldi thinks Sam's "a weirdo." Smith has no argument with that: diagnosed with a number of mental disorders over the years, Sam self-medicates with alcohol, loses focus (except when he's painting), and has few friends. But Smith doesn't think that adds up to serial killer. He enlists Lydia Chin to help prove it. Smith and Chin delve into the world surrounding Sam Tabor, including his brother, two NYPD detectives, and various other artists, dealers, collectors, curators, and art connoisseurs. No answers appear. Evidence is found and lost again. And more bodies turn up. Sam Tabor might be just a crazy artist. But someone is killing people in his orbit. If not Sam, who? Why? And who will be next? --------- This is another good PI series I enjoyed a few years back and thought it's tone and pace would appeal to many of you. Carol M test-read this very recent addition, and gave it at least a "B" - try it for yourself! -Dick No Awards for this Book from the 15 awarding groups as reported by SYKM.