Homecoming and Ice Cream Corpses

After a rare week off in Hawaii, Detective Kate Rosetti is thrust back into the chaos of her St. Paul homicide unit. Her first day back, she's called to a bizarre crime scene: a man's body, later identified as Garrett Landers, is found stuffed in the back of an ice cream truck behind a bar. The bar's owner, Meg, is a colorful character with mob connections, and the crime scene is as much a circus as a murder investigation. Kate's return is marked by banter with her partner Jimmy, reminders of her recent breakup with FBI Agent Jack Russo, and the sense that her personal life is as tangled as the case she's about to unravel.

Mob Ties and Family Secrets

Kate's investigation quickly leads her to the Luzzi family, a notorious local mob clan. The ice cream truck's owner is married into the family, and the victim's last known job was at a Luzzi-owned laundromat—a front for their operations. Kate and Jimmy navigate the eccentric Luzzi household, where breakfast is served with a side of veiled threats and family loyalty. The mobsters are cagey but cooperative, and Kate learns that Garrett was fired for theft and possibly trying to poach other employees. The family's matriarch, Nora, hints at Garrett's tangled romantic life, suggesting a girlfriend may be involved.

The Girlfriend Web Unravels

Kate and Jimmy discover that Garrett was juggling at least three girlfriends—Dominique, Ellen, and Jessica—each with their own motives and secrets. Interviews reveal a web of lies, jealousy, and financial entanglements. Dominique is obsessed with marriage and in denial about Garrett's infidelity. Ellen, pregnant with Garrett's child, claims indifference but is financially strapped. Jessica, a would-be PI, was more business partner than lover, but her story doesn't quite add up. The women's stories conflict, and Kate suspects at least one is lying about her relationship with the victim.

The Case of Many Motives

As Kate and her team dig deeper, they find that nearly everyone in Garrett's orbit had a reason to want him gone. The girlfriends are all potential suspects, but so are his former mob associates, and even his business partners. The investigation is complicated by the fact that Garrett was involved in shady deals, promised big paydays to friends he later betrayed, and left a trail of broken promises and angry exes. The detectives are overwhelmed by the sheer number of plausible motives and the lack of clear evidence.

The Mathematician's Shadow

The case takes a turn when Kate learns of a legendary, elusive thief known as the Mathematician, rumored to be in town. The Mathematician specializes in high-stakes, meticulously planned heists targeting the ultra-wealthy, leaving no trace and rarely resorting to violence. Garrett, it seems, was assembling a crew for a job that may have been connected to the Mathematician. Two of his former colleagues, "Jelly" and "Pound", provide conflicting stories, but both hint at a larger criminal operation and a mysterious "big score" that never materialized.

Tangled Alibis and False Leads

The detectives chase down leads on Garrett's crew, the girlfriends, and the Luzzi family, but every alibi seems shaky and every story has holes. Surveillance on Henry "Pound" Dunwoody, a suspiciously meticulous ex-mobster, yields nothing. Meanwhile, the FBI's arrival—led by profiler Denise Price and Kate's ex, Jack Russo—adds pressure and new perspectives. The team debates whether the murder is a crime of passion, a mob hit, or the fallout from a failed heist. The case grows colder as suspects lawyer up and evidence remains elusive.

A Billionaire Distraction

Amidst the investigation, Kate's friendship with billionaire Alastair Gem deepens. Gem, recently jilted at the altar, offers Kate a night of escape—flying her to Canada for dinner on his private jet. The gesture is both thrilling and unsettling for Kate, who struggles with the gulf between their worlds and her unresolved feelings for Russo. The romantic tension between Kate, Gem, and Russo simmers, threatening to distract her from the case as the investigation stalls.

The FBI Arrives

The FBI, convinced the Mathematician is involved, takes a more active role. Denise Price's profiling skills and Jack Russo's experience with Kate's team bring fresh eyes to the case. They connect Garrett's murder to the recent death of Harriett Windsor, an elderly art collector bludgeoned in her home. The team suspects the Mathematician may have been after Windsor's secret art collection, and that Garrett's death is collateral damage in a much larger scheme.

Art, Will, and Murder

The investigation into Harriett Windsor's murder reveals a complex web of inheritance, secrets, and betrayal. Windsor's will, recently changed, leaves her estate to her longtime housekeeper and groundskeeper, bypassing her niece Nicole. The detectives suspect the staff, but their alibis are shaky. Meanwhile, Nicole's resentment and financial motives come to light. The team discovers Windsor's "family room," a secret vault for her most prized art, is now empty—stolen in a heist that bears the Mathematician's signature.

The Secret Room Revealed

With the help of Windsor's housekeeper, Kate uncovers the secret art room and confirms the theft. The Mathematician has struck again, leaving behind only the faintest of clues. A cryptic note—"1+1=3"—is left on Kate's car, signaling that the thief is watching and taunting the investigators. The team realizes they've been manipulated at every turn, and that the murders are part of a larger, more intricate plan.

The Mathematician's Message

The note rattles the team, especially profiler Denise, who recognizes it as a direct challenge. The Mathematician, it seems, is a woman—contrary to all previous profiles—and has been hiding in plain sight. The detectives race to re-examine their suspects, focusing on those who could have orchestrated such a complex scheme. Suspicion falls on Marissa, the would-be PI, whose access and skills have been underestimated.

The Trap is Sprung

Kate, Russo, and Denise confront Henry Dunwoody, only to find him mortally wounded. As he dies, he warns them that "she's still here." Marissa reveals herself as the Mathematician, holding Kate and Russo at gunpoint. She confesses to manipulating everyone—framing Ricky, killing Garrett and Windsor, and orchestrating the art heist. Marissa's plan is to kill Kate and Russo, framing Denise for their murders, and disappear once again.

Showdown at Dunwoody's

In a tense standoff, Marissa prepares to shoot Kate, but Russo leaps in front of her, taking the bullet. Denise, waiting outside, makes a perfect shot through the window, wounding Marissa and saving Kate and Russo. The police arrive, Marissa is arrested, and the Mathematician's reign ends. Russo is rushed to the hospital, his act of heroism leaving Kate shaken and grateful.

Aftermath and Unspoken Truths

With the case closed, the team processes the fallout. Marissa's confession ties up the loose ends, and the stolen art is eventually recovered. Kate visits Russo in the hospital, where they share a heartfelt conversation about their past, their feelings, and the impossibility of rekindling their romance. Denise and Russo's partnership is left open-ended, while Kate's friendship with Gem offers comfort and the possibility of something more.

Letting Go and Moving Forward

As the dust settles, Kate reflects on the case, her relationships, and her future. She chooses to spend the evening with Gem, sharing pizza and companionship, embracing the uncertainty of what comes next. The story closes with Kate accepting that life is messy, love is complicated, and sometimes, the only way forward is to let go of the past and take a chance on what's right in front of you.

Characters

Kate Rosetti

Kate is the heart of the story—a sharp, sardonic homicide detective whose personal life is as complicated as her cases. Recently single after a breakup with Jack Russo, she throws herself into work, using humor and sarcasm as armor. Kate's loyalty to her friends and family is fierce, but she struggles with vulnerability and trust, especially in matters of the heart. Her development is marked by her gradual willingness to accept help, confront her feelings, and open herself to new possibilities, particularly with Alastair Gem.

Jack Russo

Jack is an FBI agent and Kate's former boyfriend. Their breakup was amicable but painful, rooted in career ambitions and distance. Jack is steady, protective, and deeply cares for Kate, as shown when he takes a bullet for her. His partnership with profiler Denise Price is professional, but his unresolved feelings for Kate linger. Jack's journey is about letting go, accepting change, and supporting Kate even as their romantic relationship ends.

Alastair Gem

Gem is a billionaire with a tragic past and a penchant for grand gestures. Recently left at the altar, he finds solace in his friendship with Kate, offering her both escape and emotional support. Gem is playful, generous, and surprisingly down-to-earth despite his wealth. His relationship with Kate is marked by mutual respect, unspoken attraction, and a willingness to wait for her to be ready for more. Gem represents the possibility of new beginnings and the courage to be vulnerable.

Jimmy Jones

Jimmy is Kate's longtime partner, providing comic relief, wisdom, and unwavering support. He's nearing retirement and serves as a mentor and confidant, often grounding Kate when her emotions threaten to overwhelm her. Jimmy's role is to balance the team, offer perspective, and remind Kate of the importance of friendship and self-care.

Denise Price

Denise is the FBI profiler assigned to the Mathematician case. She's sharp, observant, and often overlooked due to her appearance and gender. Denise's insights are crucial to cracking the case, and her sharpshooting skills save Kate and Russo in the climax. She forms a respectful, possibly romantic, partnership with Russo, and her presence challenges Kate to confront her own biases and insecurities.

Marissa (The Mathematician)

Marissa is the story's true antagonist—a chameleon who hides in plain sight as a would-be PI and business partner. She orchestrates the murders and art heist with chilling precision, exploiting the assumptions and blind spots of those around her. Marissa's psychology is rooted in a need for control, recognition, and the thrill of outsmarting everyone. Her downfall comes from underestimating Kate and Denise, and her final confrontation reveals both her brilliance and her sociopathy.

Garrett Landers

Garrett is the murder victim whose tangled love life and criminal ambitions set the plot in motion. He's a manipulator, juggling multiple girlfriends and shady deals, ultimately becoming expendable to those around him. Garrett's character serves as a catalyst, exposing the secrets and motives of the other characters.

Dominique, Ellen, Jessica

Garrett's girlfriends each represent different facets of love, jealousy, and denial. Dominique is obsessive and in denial, Ellen is pragmatic and financially desperate, and Jessica is the outsider who sees through Garrett's lies. Their interactions with Kate reveal the complexities of motive and the ways people deceive themselves and others.

Henry "Pound" Dunwoody

Henry is a former mobster and suspected mastermind, whose cold, clinical demeanor makes him a prime suspect. Ultimately, he's a red herring—intelligent and secretive, but not the Mathematician. His death at Marissa's hands is a turning point in the investigation.

Meg

Meg is the bar owner and ice cream truck proprietor whose mob connections and larger-than-life personality provide both leads and levity. She's unflappable, unpredictable, and serves as a reminder that not all suspects are what they seem.

Plot Devices

Multiple Red Herrings and Misdirection

The narrative is structured around a classic whodunit, with a rotating cast of plausible suspects—mobsters, girlfriends, business partners—each with their own motives and secrets. The use of red herrings, especially the focus on Henry Dunwoody and the Luzzi family, creates tension and uncertainty, forcing both the detectives and the reader to question every assumption.

The Mastermind Hidden in Plain Sight

Marissa's role as the Mathematician is a masterstroke of misdirection. By presenting herself as a minor player, she exploits gender biases and the team's focus on more obvious suspects. The reveal is foreshadowed by subtle clues—her access, skills, and inconsistencies—but only becomes clear in the climactic confrontation.

Intertwined Personal and Professional Stakes

Kate's relationships with Russo and Gem, as well as her friendships and family ties, are woven into the investigation, blurring the lines between personal and professional. The emotional stakes heighten the tension, as Kate's choices in love and work reflect her growth and vulnerability.

Thematic Use of Notes and Codes

The cryptic note "1+1=3" serves as both a clue and a psychological weapon, signaling the villain's awareness and control. The use of codes, secret rooms, and hidden motives reinforces the theme of things not being what they seem.

Female Empowerment and Subversion of Expectations

The revelation that the Mathematician is a woman subverts both the characters' and readers' expectations, highlighting the dangers of underestimating women in crime fiction. Denise's role as a profiler and sharpshooter further reinforces this theme.

Analysis

is a witty, fast-paced mystery that blends classic detective tropes with modern sensibilities and psychological depth. At its core, the novel explores the cost of secrets, the complexity of human relationships, and the dangers of underestimating those who don't fit the expected mold. Gina LaManna crafts a story where every character is both suspect and victim, and where the true villain hides behind the assumptions of others. The interplay between Kate's personal and professional lives adds emotional resonance, making her journey as much about self-discovery as about solving a crime. The novel's ultimate message is that time—like money—is precious, and how we spend it, and with whom, defines who we are. In a world of distractions, betrayals, and shifting loyalties, the only way forward is to let go of the past, trust your instincts, and embrace the messy, unpredictable present.

Last updated: May 21, 2025