Hard Time by Sara Paretsky

Hard Time is Sara Paretsky's gripping crime thriller featuring detective V.I. Warshawski navigating Chicago's toughest streets. When a woman is found dead in a prison cell, V.I. uncovers a web of corruption, violence, and dangerous secrets that reach far beyond the bars. Paretsky's masterful storytelling combines sharp dialogue, complex characters, and high-stakes mystery. Perfect for fans of noir detective fiction and crime thrillers seeking intelligent, fast-paced narratives with a strong female protagonist.