Inspector Heimrich takes a vacation and ends up in troubled waters in this mystery from the coauthor of the “excellent” Mr. and Mrs. North series (The New Yorker).   Inspector M. L. Heimrich of the New York State Police may not have the flash of hard-boiled city detectives, but there’s no lead the intrepid investigator won’t follow until his every hunch is satisfied . . .   Over his many years on the force, Inspector Heimrich has more than earned his reputation for getting the job done. But when his wife, Susan, takes ill with pneumonia, Heimrich doesn’t hesitate to put police work aside.   Following her doctor’s orders, Heimrich books a vacation to allow Susan to recuperate in a warmer climate. But while their Mediterranean cruise is a welcome change from the harsh winters of rural New York, Heimrich soon learns that even at sea, murder refuses to take a holiday.   A British diplomat has disappeared from the ship, and the captain would like Heimrich to investigate. Now, as he observes the luxury liner’s occupants and attempts to discern a motive—all while tending to his wife—Heimrich must fish for a killer, in this murderous case of international intrigue.   Inspector’s Holiday is the 20th book in the Captain Heimrich Mysteries, but you may enjoy reading the series in any order.   “Lockridge’s audience will enjoy the leisurely turns about the decks.” —Kirkus Reviews

The coauthor of the “excellent” Mr. and Mrs. North mysteries presents another unbeatable team: Captain Heimrich and NYC police officer Nathan Shapiro (The New Yorker).   Capt. M. L. Heimrich of the New York State Police may not have the flash of hard-boiled city detectives, but there’s no lead the intrepid investigator won’t follow until his every hunch is satisfied . . .   Lt. Nathan Shapiro of the NYPD would rather be anywhere else than rural New York investigating lawyer Stuart Fleming’s claims of bribes and point-shaving schemes involving football players at Dyckman University. He’s a city cop and the country makes him nervous.   When he arrives at the headquarters of New York State Police Troop K, Shapiro’s day goes from bad to worse as Captain Heimrich informs him that Fleming’s been shot dead. Now, with a homicide on their hands, the city lieutenant and the country captain must get in the game and investigate the crime together.   As they dig into the scandal, Shapiro and Heimrich uncover more than some football dirty dealings. Seems there’s an entire gambling racket that won’t hesitate to tackle any problems with unnecessary roughness . . .   Murder Can’t Wait is the 16th book in the Captain Heimrich Mysteries, but you may enjoy reading the series in any order.   “Under the steady hand of old pro Lockridge, this culminates in a murder that requires imaginative police treatment.” —Kirkus Reviews

A wealthy man’s murder draws Inspector Heimrich into a high-class conspiracy in this mystery from the coauthor of the “excellent” Mr. and Mrs. North series (The New Yorker).   Inspector M. L. Heimrich of the New York State Police may not have the flash of hard-boiled city detectives, but there’s no lead the intrepid investigator won’t follow until his every hunch is satisfied . . .   A simple man, Inspector Heimrich is not particularly fond of large parties. Still, when he and his wife, Susan, receive an invitation to a black-tie event thrown by a wealthy local resident, Heimrich finds himself agreeing to attend the fete at his wife’s behest.   No sooner does elderly Arthur Jameson announce his engagement to Dorothy Selby—his much younger assistant—than someone decides to make sure the wedding will never occur. With an arrow to the throat, Jameson’s happily ever after has shifted into the great hereafter.   There are many who might want to take aim at a man like Arthur Jameson, but few who could pull off such a pointed attack. Now, Heimrich must sift through the clues to catch the vicious killer and solve yet another upper-crust caper.   Not I, Said the Sparrow is the 21st book in the Captain Heimrich Mysteries, but you may enjoy reading the series in any order.   “Inspector Heimrich (N.Y. State Police) is as reliable and reassuring a presence as ever.” —Kirkus Reviews

From the coauthor of the “excellent” Mr. and Mrs. North mysteries: Everything goes to the dogs when Inspector Heimrich must solve a veterinarian’s murder (The New Yorker).   Inspector M. L. Heimrich of the New York State Police may not have the flash of hard-boiled city detectives, but there’s no lead the intrepid investigator won’t follow until his every hunch is satisfied . . .   When his Great Dane, Colonel, suddenly takes ill, Inspector Heimrich takes the dog to a local vet. Unfortunately, Dr. Barton isn’t able to take the case—he’s lying dead on the clinic’s floor. Now, Heimrich has a case of his own.   It’s no surprise to find a needle somewhere in Dr. Barton’s vicinity—after all the man was diabetic—but the residue inside the syringe found next to the body isn’t insulin; it’s a toxic plant extract that causes asphyxiation.   With an exotic murder weapon and no obvious motive, Heimrich will have to examine those closest to the good doctor. Since there are suspects aplenty, his investigation risks barking up the wrong tree. But no matter how long it takes, the experienced officer intends to see that justice has its day.   The Tenth Life is the 23rd book in the Captain Heimrich Mysteries, but you may enjoy reading the series in any order.

Captain Heimrich hunts for the killer of a fallen Hollywood star in this classic mystery from the coauthor of the “excellent” Mr. and Mrs. North series (The New Yorker).   Capt. M. L. Heimrich of the New York State Police may not have the flash of hard-boiled city detectives, but there’s no lead the intrepid investigator won’t follow until his every hunch is satisfied . . .   Real estate agent Leslie Brennan is frustrated when a prospective buyer for Annette Weaver’s house fails to show up on time. She becomes even more upset when she finds Annette dead in the foyer, lying in a puddle of blood.   Thanks to her haughty attitude, the late film actress more famously known as Annette LeBaron had made enemies out of half the town of Van Brunt, New York—but were any of them inclined to kill?   Captain Heimrich intends to get to the bottom of all the drama. To do so he’ll have to investigate the motives of everyone Annette managed to annoy, and with a killer on the loose and a large cast of suspects, he’d better get started right away.   Murder Roundabout is the 17th book in the Captain Heimrich Mysteries, but you may enjoy reading the series in any order.

Inspector Heimrich gets embroiled in a small-town conspiracy in this mystery from the coauthor of the “excellent” Mr. and Mrs. North series (The New Yorker).Inspector M. L. Heimrich of the New York State Police may not have the flash of hard-boiled city detectives, but there’s no lead the intrepid investigator won’t follow until his every hunch is satisfied . . .   Tensions have been rising in the conservative community of North Wellwood, New York, ever since African American lawyer Thomas Peters moved to town with a plan to open a desegregated country club.   Those in opposition are determined to see Mr. Peters’s plan fail at all costs—going so far as to harass liberal newcomers like Eric and Ann Martin, and commit vile acts against those who dare to support equality, like widow Faith Powers.   Called in to investigate Mrs. Powers’s shocking murder, recently promoted Inspector Heimrich soon finds himself caught in the storm that has taken over North Wellwood. Now, if he wants to see justice served, he’ll have to make it out of a hate-fueled powder keg that’s ready to explode . . .   With Option to Die is the 18th book in the Captain Heimrich Mysteries, but you may enjoy reading the series in any order.