Dirty-Down — Peter Clothier

Clothier's second mystery benefits from his intimacy with the California art scene, as did his first critical success, Chiaroscuro. In this story, the Venice, Calif., circle of friendly professionals is disturbed by thieves and killers. Artist Wil Garretson learns that priceless paintings are missing, when a former lover, Sally Horan, comes to him for help. On an amorous weekend away from her husband, Dirk, Sally witnesses the murder of her bed partner, Jim Sewell. As Garretson secretly investigates, he is attacked by the murderer, who believes Garretson is hiding the missing art. When Sally is abducted and the self-assigned sleuth races to her rescue, the suspense becomes feverish. A big, colorful cast of real and pseudo-artists, combined with narrative twists and sexy dalliances, keep the action moving in Clothier's absorbing tale. (July 15)