A cold case heats up in latest from Caz Frear

’Shed No Tears’ By Caz Frear. Harper, 362 pages, $26.99

British author Caz

Frear seldom strays from the tenets of the police procedural in her third well-plotted novel about Det. Constable Cat Kinsella.

A large part of Cat’s investigative skills has been gleaned through her relationship with her close-knit police squad. “Shed No Tears” further seals the respect and love she has for her squad — the family she has chosen — including her partner, Det. Sgt. Luigi Parnell, whom she refers to as “the only father figure in my life.”

This time, her criminal father, Michael McBride, a shady businessman with ties to London’s underworld, plays a small role in the plot. Cat, who uses her mother’s last name to further distance herself from her father, may have been complicit in covering up her dad’s crimes, for which she feels guilty.

Cat and the squad pull together again when the remains of Holly Kemp, who disappeared in 2012, are found in a remote area of London’s Cambridgeshire. It was believed that Holly was the fourth victim of confessed killer Christopher Masters, who was killed in prison. The case was called the Roommate Case because Masters murdered three women who answered his advertisement for a room for rent. Holly was assumed to be his fourth victim because he confessed, but then he rescinded the confession numerous times.

Working the investigation as a cold case,

Cat and her team both try to link the murder to Masters or, if necessary, find another suspect. The case becomes complicated when an unconvincing witness and Holly’s own background emerge.

Frear skillfully guides “Shed No Tears” to a solid conclusion that is as believable as it is surprising. Beginning with her 2018 debut “Sweet Little Lies,” Frear has proven to be a talent to watch.

Oline H. Cogdill can be reached at olinecog@aol. com.

Zoom with the author

Caz Frear will discuss “Shed No Tears” during a conversation with British author CJ Tudor (“The Other People”) at noon Dec. 2 sponsored by Murder on the Beach bookstore, 104 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, murderonthebeach.com. Cost to join the virtual discussion is the purchase of either novel, or $5 that may be credited to future purchase of either novel; includes free shipping. Email Murder on the Beach at murdermb@gate. net or call 561-279-7790 for more information. A link for the virtual event will be sent to those registered.

REBECCA KNOWLES PHOTOGRAPHY Caz Frear’s new novel is“Shed No Tears.”She will discuss it with British author CJ Tudor during a virtual event on Dec. 2.