Into the Fire

 Blue Blood is Book 2 in A Marty Singer Mystery Series by Matthew Iden. 

Marty Singer is contemplating his surgery for colorectal cancer after getting the report that while the Chemo helped, it didn't do enough. However, when even a delayed scheduling can reduce his life expectancy, he's involved in a serious case with a Detective Bloch who wants – and needs – his help in finding out who's killing cops – particularly undercover cops. The most recent death was indicative of a brutal torture before its fatal conclusion. 

Singer travels to the ugly and dangerous Southeast section of DC, a den of iniquity occupied by gangs and one of the dead cop's family, to interview the wife of the deceased man. What he learned is this particular cop and his family lived in the heart of the neighborhood/area they were trying to help. He'd gained the respect of neighbors and some of the kids he rescued from going the gang route. 

Singer also visited the wife of the latest cop victim whose son Paul (who served in the military in both Iraq and Afghanistan) insisted the family knew nothing of his undercover work because the man always wanted to keep it separate from his family life. The cop's wife really was clueless, but Singer suspected Paul, because of his service, probably/maybe suspected certain things about his dad's work. 

The more Bloch and Singer learn, the more the puzzle pieces start to mesh, and that's definitely because of Singer's research and hands-on approach. 

What the puzzle leads to is an onslaught of a select group which includes Singer to perform a raid. What happens after the raid back at the station is a shock to everyone and takes Singer and Bloch to wrap up the loose ends which is even more of a surprise ending in sadness. 

As Marty realizes he must attend to the surgery, he's relieved and rewarded to know he'll have the help he needs to recover. 

This story is definitely more in the "police procedural" style of a mystery, which I enjoy, and Marty Singer continues to be the character I can get hooked on. A bit of an insightful cynic with a love for justice and police work, his retirement status has proved to be "fluid". So far, a good series with enjoyable writing. 

Profanity present. 

Father, thank you again for the creative talents you disperse. May those talents somehow be used for your glory. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.