The Carbon Steel Caress

THE CARBON STEEL CARESS A Johnny Donal P. I. Novel Johnny Donal P. I., is hired to solve the murder of a prominent Moultrie Bay, SC woman who appears to be the latest victim in a series. The police are stymied. The citizenry is howling for results. Donal?s investigation points to two murderers, Micah Capers and Joan Wiley-Capers, a psychotic husband and wife team. But, before he can bring them to justice, they disappear. The killers resurface, having decided to abduct a well known film star, model, and singer. While the fact is not known either to the intended abductee or to Capers?s wife Joan, the intended victim is Capers's half-sister who he half lusts after/half blames for perceived damage to his life. When the victim, Claudia Chatrian, is grabbed from Hilton Head Island Donal is brought back into the case. It becomes a race against time. Persistence rewards Donal with the vital clue to where Claudia is being held captive and he effects a rescue but not before the male of the murderous duo has killed his wife and escaped. Donal tracks Capers, who manages to stay a step ahead, first in Canada and then in Mexico. Finally, Donal?s and Capers?s paths cross in the Houston airport where the killer is reentering the U. S. under an alias. A fight ensues and Donal captures Capers. Donal, back in SC, is informed that Capers has escaped from the Houston jail. Capers is now obsessed with eliminating those who thwarted him and finishing his love/hate 'game' with his half sister. In a rampage designed to terrorize Claudia, Capers murders her lawyer and tries for Donal. Donal moves Claudia for her protection but the killer finds her. The denouement and the Capers?s death by immolation take place on a luxury yacht Off Hilton head SC. The novel is structured as a suspense/chase story. The reader knows the killers identity from the inception. The protagonist must uncover motive, find the killer, and stop him.