Now Internal Affairs is questioning Zoe closely, making her doubt whether she shot Garcia out of self-defense or if she knew who she was shooting at and shot him out of vengeance.

In addition to dealing with Internal Affairs and coping with her husband and what being married to a man who may never be aware of her again means, a friend of Zoe’s father-in-law approaches her for help regarding his much younger wife.

Avery Peppard believes his wife is having an affair with a policeman, and is plotting to have Avery killed. Because there has been no specific threat on his life, Zoe explains that this is not a police matter, but agrees to recommend a private detective. Detective Jason Foxx and Zoe have an immediate connection, but because of her situation, Zoe tries to stay away, until one of Foxx's informants is found murdered.

Soon Zoe is drawn into a web of police corruption and the possibility that she didn't kill who she thought she did and that her life may be in more danger than she realizes.

Austin City Blue is a basic police procedural, with a lot of characterization and a lot of loose ends tied up and explained from Zoe's husband's case. Zoe is a strong character, having to deal with the everyday prejudices about female police officers from both her colleagues and the pubic. She has been made even tougher by what she has been through and now must deal with the fact that her husband may never recover.

There is a lot going on in the plot and it is hard, at times, to keep track of everything and decide what relates to Zoe and what relates to Peppard. Careful, dogged readers will keep things straight, others may be a bit perplexed, though all is explained and neatly tied together at the end. Austin City Blue may prove a turning point for Zoe as she puts her past behind her and finds a future with which she is comfortable.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry