Dark Waters

May 27, 2013
The plot of Cooper’s enjoyable 12th mystery featuring smalltown Oklahoma sheriff Milt Kovak splits neatly in two. Milt—along with his wife, their preteen son, and the son’s buddy—is on a cruise ship returning from Puerto Rico. The discovery of the strangled corpse of a passenger in a lifeboat leads to a rushed investigation before the ship docks and the culprit has a chance to escape. Meanwhile, back in Prophesy County, acting sheriff Emmett Hopkins worries that a vicious wife murderer, just released from prison, will take revenge on the victim’s family. But then someone shoots the SOB between the eyes. Each case becomes complicated, and Emmett has a lot of suspects to keep track of while supervising the quirky members of the sheriff’s department. Aboard ship, Milt is beset by an exasperating swarm of kids who keep butting in, but who also keep finding valuable clues. Cooper has Milt’s friendly drawl down pat, and she clearly understands family and the dynamics of a small office. Agent: Vicky Bijur, Vicky Bijur Literary Agency.

June 15, 2013
A cruise proves to be no dream vacation for an Oklahoma sheriff. After he wins a seven-day cruise to Puerto Rico, Milt Kovak, his wife, Dr. Jean McDonnell, their son Johnny Mac and his best friend Early Rollins set out for Galveston, where they board the ship. Milt's thoughts of a romantic trip vanish when he realizes that their suite is tiny and open. But he enjoys the food and the whole experience until the children get in trouble: They're sucked into a group led by dishonest, bullying teen Joshua Weaver, whose idea of fun is pushing the kids to steal things aboard and ashore. When a drunk who's just made a killing at the casino is attacked and his money stolen, he accuses Johnny, Early and a few of their friends, who found him passed out. Meantime, more trouble is brewing back in Prophesy County. A spouse killer recently released from prison is shot dead, and the list of suspects includes his wife's entire family. So, naturally, Milt's deputy makes many calls asking him for advice. Matters worsen considerably back on the ship when Joshua is found strangled, his body hidden in a lifeboat. Then one of the passengers is poisoned in front of Milt and his new shipboard friends. Milt teams up with the head of security, who's innocent of any experience with murder, to apprehend a determined killer. Despite a few twists, Cooper's latest is neither as complex nor as interesting as some of her former entries (Husband and Wives, 2012, etc.) featuring the tough but good-hearted Milt.

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May 1, 2013
Milt Kovak, sheriff of Prophesy County, Oklahoma, is pleased as punch when he wins a Caribbean cruise, and despite worries about being away, he sets off, accompanied by his wife; their 10-year-old son, Johnny Mac; and Johnny Mac's friend Early. But no sooner are the Kovaks enjoying blue skies, sea, and fabulous food then troubles arise, both aboard the ship and at home. Johnny Mac and Early run afoul of a gang of older kids, and acting sheriff Emmett calls to say murderer Darby Hunt is out of prison. But there's worse to come: Hunt is killed in a drive-by shooting the day after he gets home, and not one but two murders occur on the cruise ship. No vacation for Milt, then, as he juggles trying to solve the shipboard killings with advising Emmett long-distance on what leads to follow in Hunt's murder. Cooper offers up characters and dialogue as American as apple pie, a keep-'em-guessing plot, and laugh-aloud humor. A downright good read.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)