I’ve completed the second draft of my third novel, a so-far-untitled police procedural set in a borough of Pittsburgh. When launched, it will be the first in a series.

The protagonist is a second-generation law enforcement officer of Slovakian parents. Karol Novak is recruited from retirement to lead a dysfunctional police department, typical of many of the smaller of the 110 separate law enforcement agencies in Allegheny County.

The backstory centers on the supportive relationship he has with his wife, Barbara, herself a second-generation American of French-Canadian heritage. The inciting event is a request made of Barbara by a nine-year-old girl at a birthday party.

This will be a work-in-progress until at least spring. I hope to have it ready for an agent pitch in late March. We will then see what remains to be done. Stay tuned.