John David Bethel: Mapping the Night

A woman is murdered at home with her young son asleep and unknowing. The crime scene and the residence are left spotless. NYPD detectives, Levitt and Broaden are assigned the case.

They are thorough and consistent in their approach, pulling at the threads of new leads. It’s the old money wealth part of the city and everything will be scrutinized.

Research of old files finds redacted material. The answers to why leave them astounded. Meantime, one murder becomes two then three.

FBI agents Prado and Fisher are assigned. They are part investigative support and part reluctant agents of subterfuge.

There is much at stake about one of these deaths and they are under the gun to solve the case quickly – with the utmost discretion.

Two teams with the heavy burden of corruption and complicity on their shoulders.

Just when you thought it was all law enforcement procedure we have Warren and Maddy.

They are kindred souls who have found each other despite the isolation of their conditions.

Warren witnesses a man dancing outside the building the night of the first murder. Maddy has been following Warren for a bit and finally approaches him.

Together they form a spirited and somewhat nebulous team intent on finding the killer.

Mapping the Night is a book of substance and texture. The plot is well considered and an original take on the serial killer genre. Mostly because it very much more that that.