The Dime (2017)

Betty Rhyzyk moves from Brooklyn policing to a Dallas narcotics unit, where knowing how to work does not mean knowing the local rules. Her girlfriend, colleagues and difficult family history give her relationships to negotiate as well as criminals to pursue. The first Betty novel is an energetic choice for a reader who wants a professional lead adapting under pressure. Its violence becomes extreme, so the appeal needs to include danger and disruption, not just the detective’s sharp voice.