Live Bait

Minneapolis homicide detectives Leo Magozzi and Gino Rolseth investigate what appears to be an execution-style murder of an elderly man. The case quickly expands as more elderly victims are discovered, all killed in a similar manner. The Monkeewrench computer team, led by Grace MacBride, joins forces with the police to help analyze the seemingly random murders. Their investigation reveals connections between the victims that stretch back decades into the past. The story combines elements of police procedural and technological thriller as both traditional detective work and advanced computer analysis are required to uncover the truth. The partnership between law enforcement and the tech experts creates a unique dynamic as they race against time to prevent more killings. The novel explores themes of justice, vengeance, and how the sins of the past can resurface to haunt the present. It raises questions about moral accountability and whether time can truly heal all wounds.

Readers note this second Monkeewrench book maintains the suspense and humor of the series while focusing more on police procedural elements. Readers appreciated: - The Minneapolis winter setting that adds tension - Character development of Leo Magozzi and Gino Rolseth - Balance of technical details and human relationships - Faster pacing than the first book - Dark humor throughout dialogue Common criticisms: - Less involvement of the Monkeewrench team compared to book one - Some found the killer's identity too predictable - A few readers felt the romantic subplot was unnecessary Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (14,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (450+ reviews) Multiple readers called it a "solid follow-up" but noted it works better if you've read the first book. One reviewer on Goodreads wrote: "The police banter makes this series special - these feel like real cops having real conversations."

The Last Dead Girl by Harry Dolan A detective investigates interconnected murders with roots in decades-old crimes while uncovering a web of long-buried secrets and calculated revenge.

The Cold Dish by Craig Johnson Sheriff Walt Longmire pursues a killer targeting men linked to an old case, revealing how past injustices lead to present-day violence.

Broken Places by Tracy Clark A Chicago PI delves into murders of elderly victims, discovering that seemingly unrelated deaths connect to buried secrets from wartime Chicago.

The First Deadly Sin by Lawrence Sanders NYPD Captain Edward Delaney tracks a methodical killer targeting specific victims, using both traditional police work and early computer technology to uncover patterns.

The Old Fox Deceived by Martha Grimes Inspector Richard Jury investigates a series of deaths tied to events from twenty years prior, revealing how past relationships drive present-day murders.

🔍 P. J. Tracy is actually a mother-daughter writing team (Patricia and Traci Lambrecht), making it one of the few successful family co-writing partnerships in crime fiction. 🌨️ The Minneapolis setting draws from the authors' real-life experiences in Minnesota, where winter temperatures can plummet to -30°F, creating the authentically chilly atmosphere depicted in the book. 💻 The Monkeewrench series was groundbreaking when it debuted in 2003 for its integration of computer technology and cyber-crime elements into traditional police procedurals. 🏆 The first book in the series, "Monkeewrench," won the Anthony Award for Best First Novel and was nominated for multiple prestigious crime fiction awards. 👥 After Patricia Lambrecht passed away in 2016, her daughter Traci continued writing under the P. J. Tracy name, maintaining the series' signature style while adding her own perspective to newer installments.