The Clouds Roll Away (Raleigh Harmon Book 3)

Forensic geologist Raleigh Harmon unravels mysteries in her hometown of Richmond where things are never quite what they seem. Raleigh's exemplary service in Seattle opened the door for her disciplinary transfer to be lifted, allowing her to return to her home FBI field office in Richmond, VA. A civil rights case turns out to be much more complex than anyone thought when Raleigh is forced to go undercover in a drug trafficking case. Things aren't any simpler at home. Raleigh's old friend DeMott wants her to find time for things outside of her FBI work: friendship and maybe something more. Raleigh will have to rely on her sharpest skills--and the faith that is slowly returning to her--to navigate her way through these clouds. From Booklist *Starred Review* Someone in Richmond, Virginia’s elite historical neighbornood wants rap star RPM to leave their little slice of paradise, and they let him know by burning a cross in his yard. FBI agent Raleigh Harmon, a forensic geologist transferred back home from the Pacific Northwest, is tapped to investigate what seems to be a hate crime, but soon discovers it’s more than that. As Raleigh dedicates herself to solving this case, going undercover for a dangerous sting, her former boyfriend, DeMott Fielding, wants to rekindle their relationship. Pulled in too many ways by ostracism at work, DeMott’s renewed need for her (and her time), and her widowed mother’s increasingly worse mental condition, Raleigh is on the edge. Beautifully written with exquisite descriptions, Giorello’s mystery also features well-developed characters, such as a rapper who plays classical music on a cello to relax. The themes of redemption and faith rediscovered are subtly integrated into the story. This is the third title in journalist Giorello’s excellent Raleigh Harmon series, following The Stones Cry Out (2007) and The Rivers Run Dry (2009). Libraries will want all three. --Shelley Mosley