Killjoy (Inspector Ramsay #4) by Ann Cleeves

Killjoy is the fourth mystery novel in the Inspector Ramsay series by Ann Cleeves, the Sunday Times bestselling author of the Vera Stanhope, Shetland and Two Rivers crime series.

The Youth Theatre cast are in their places, but Gus Lynch's female lead, Gabriella, is missing. That is, until her body is found in the boot of his car.

Inspector Stephen Ramsay and Sergeant Gordon Hunter are assigned to head up the murder enquiry. Meanwhile, violence is escalating on the Starling Farm council estate as the police battle to contain the latest outbreak of joyriding. Inspector Ramsay suspects the death of Gabriella may be connected to the events at Starling Farm, but Sergeant Hunter insists otherwise, and tempers run high.

When another death occurs, a possible link between them is uncovered. But what could have provoked someone to kill . . .and kill again?