The Painted Lady — Blair Howard

A respected gallery owner found dead at her desk. A sculptor murdered with his own tools. A gifted art student missing.What starts as a suspicious suicide spirals into a chilling investigation—and Lt. Kate Gazzara is on the case.In Chattanooga's elite arts district, where priceless paintings are restored and reputations carefully preserved, Kate uncovers a world built on forged certificates and stolen truths. As she digs deeper, more questions surface. Why was the gallery owner targeted? Who wanted the sculptor silenced? And what did a missing student discover that made her disappear?Someone is covering their tracks with blood. And Kate is about to expose the whole canvas.From the author of the bestselling 22-book Lt. Kate Gazzara series, this short mystery delivers all the grit, tension, and sharp instincts fans love—plus a case you won't forget.Perfect for longtime fans or new readers ready for a fast-paced introduction to one of crime fiction's smartest detectives.