Babel

A controversial professor is murdered in London in this novel from “a master of mysteries” (Los Angeles Times Book Review).
 
Following her ordeal in the stakeout at the Silvermeadow supermall, Det. Sergeant Kathy Kolla is on leave, so haunted by past events that she’s tempted to quit the force for good. Hearing about this puzzling new case makes her realize that nothing can keep her out of the game for too long. Professor Max Springer, a distinguished if controversial academic, has been brutally murdered on the steps of a London university. Springer was known for his stand against Islamic extremism, but was that motive enough to kill him?
 
While Kolla and Brock start looking for answers in London’s Arab community, rivalries within the university point in another direction, and Springer’s colleague, a professor of medical genetics, becomes involved. Is he as troubling a figure as he seems? And why would somebody leak information about this critical investigation to the media, risking an explosion in the streets?
From an award-winning crime fiction author with “a wryly humorous style,” this is a taut and satisfying police procedural (Portsmouth Herald).
 
“Maitland has always been a notable spinner of mysteries, but [Babel] continues to extend his range, depth, and mastery into Ruth Rendell territory.” —Kirkus Reviews
 
“Wow. This guy is good.” —Houston Chronicle