Starletta Duvall Mystery Series by Judith Smith-Levin

When a vicious serial killer begins targeting African-American professionals, police lieutenant Starletta Duvall, who fits the profile of the murderer's victims, searches for the insatiable madman.

For homicide detective Lieutenant Starletta Duvall and her partner, Dominic Parisi, the torching of a homeless woman is a random act of unspeakable violence. The autopsy, however, turns up an enigmatic calling card, suggesting that the crime scene's chilling proximity to the exclusive prep school is no coincidence. Before Star and Dom can prove their gut instincts, another corpse is found... moreFor homicide detective Lieutenant Starletta Duvall and her partner, Dominic Parisi, the torching of a homeless woman is a random act of unspeakable violence. The autopsy, however, turns up an enigmatic calling card, suggesting that the crime scene's chilling proximity to the exclusive prep school is no coincidence. Before Star and Dom can prove their gut instincts, another corpse is found. When the killer delivers the third victim gift-wrapped, a lethal and increasingly perverse game seems afoot. But appearances can be deceiving. . . . From the Paperback edition. less

For Cynthia Chapin-Rayner, the world was filled with wealth and power. Marriage to billionaire corporate raider, Dan Rayner, provided her with everything; everything except love. That she found in the arms of another man. A love so filled with passion and desire that she surrendered everything to keep it, including her life. Cynthia Chapin-Rayner's nude and battered body is found in the woods near her vast estate... moreFor Cynthia Chapin-Rayner, the world was filled with wealth and power. Marriage to billionaire corporate raider, Dan Rayner, provided her with everything; everything except love. That she found in the arms of another man. A love so filled with passion and desire that she surrendered everything to keep it, including her life. Cynthia Chapin-Rayner's nude and battered body is found in the woods near her vast estate. The socialite has suffered a death so violent and brutal that even hardened detectives are horrified. On the case, Homicide Lieutenant Starletta Duvall and her partner Sergeant Dominic Paresi follow a trail that leads them behind closed doors and into the lives and secrets of some of the city's most prominent citizens. Before long what they find gives new meaning to the phrase "everyone has something to hide." In a world where everything, including life itself, has a price tag, the two detectives find themselves looking into the eyes of evil . . . in a very familiar face. From the Paperback edition. less