Southern Cross - International Edition

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In their first appearance, Chief Judy Hammer, Deputy Virginia West, and rookie cop Andy Brazil faced a serial killer in Charlotte, North Carolina. Now, they are sent to Richmond, Virginia, to tackle the escalating gang issue and modernize the local police department, armed with a sophisticated computer program for tracking crime. However, they are unprepared for the resentment and the bizarre characters they encounter upon arrival. Among them are Lelia Ehrhart, the wealthy and nosy chair of the Blue Ribbon Crime Commission, whose heavy accent makes her English amusing; Butner "Bubba" Flunk IV, a tobacco worker and UFO enthusiast; Smoke, the sociopathic leader of the Pikes gang; and Weed Gardener, a 14-year-old graffiti artist. Unlike Cornwell's usual thrillers, this narrative focuses on these eccentric personalities and their surreal environment, offering a satire of city politics, Southern culture, and the complex relationship between police and the public. While some elements, like a computer virus affecting police websites, may seem implausible, and the narrative occasionally loses focus with its three main characters, the novel ultimately shines through Cornwell's unique portrayal of police work and the quirky life of Richmond's residents.