The Bloodless Stigmata

By Dee Kite

Gainesville PD's most enigmatic partnership, Sergeant Josephine McGuire "the hardass" and Detective Mike Soigner "the Buddhist", is called to investigate the murders of Stephen and Lizzy Tillman. Pressure to solve the "Suburban Slaughter" mounts steadily from the moment the Tillman children call 911. McGuire and Soigner investigate several promising leads, narrowing it down to two prime suspects.Meanwhile the detectives' personal dilemmas interfere with the progress of the investigation. Tests reveal that McGuire has Multiple Sclerosis, throwing her from a world of order and justice to one of chaos and uncertainty. And a stalker's threat toward Soigner's wife forces him to realize he has not escaped the childhood nightmares of being raised by a harsh fundamentalist preacher. During the course of the novel Soigner and McGuire grapple with the ups and downs of their personal difficulties. Ultimately they both realize triumph over uncertainty occurs only through surrender.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1441499121
• ISBN13: 9781441499127
• Release Date: March 2009
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.6" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

More than just a great murder mystery

Great murder mystery! Loved the story and couldn't put it down. But in addition to being a great read, I really learned a lot about the physical and emotional challenges of being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. A close friend of mine has MS and now I feel like I can better appreciate what she goes through.

Great Murder Mystery

Wow, such detail and authenticity in this fast-paced murder mystery. Loved the way the author developed the characters and allowed them to have realistic flaws and issues. I found that part riveting. As far as the police work, I thought that certainly the author had been in law enforcement given the realism. And the twists and turns? Could have never guessed the outcome of this one. -- I'll be looking for this author's next book.

For page-turner lovers

I love a page turner, and this story MOVES. This isn't one of your let's sit around and think about whodunit mysteries but a well-written police procedural with some satisfying interplay between the male and female partners, who have a few mysteries of their own going. At the same time Kite juggles the plot pieces and clues, she manages to say a lot about the price one can pay for keeping secrets. I pretty much inhaled this book. Great for a rainy weekend.

CSI meets Kinsey Millhone

If you enjoy Sue Grafton mysteries then I think you will really like this book. The main characters are described as "Gainesville PD's most enigmatic partnership - the Buddhist and the Hardass". But it becomes apparent quickly that Det. Soigner ("it's pronounced like a swan and a yay" ) and Sgt. McGuire are anything but! This book immediately drew me in with its compelling mystery - Soigner and McGuire investigating the gruesome death of a prominent local lawyer and his wife. But the back story of McGuire battling an illness (that she wants to keep secret) and Soigner's very non-Buddhist reaction to his wife's stalker, keep you wondering where each twist is leading. This book will keep you guessing until the end. Let's hope there is a sequel here!