Описание: Accounting for Clues is a murder mystery involving former private investigator and CPA Claude Monday. He is asked to assist police in a case where a serial killer mails accounting statements to police then leaves a copy at the crime scene.
The story unfolds in shifting perspective, from Claudes viewpoint to the killers, who is trying to cope with his wifes miscarriage and succeeding illness as well as his own failures.
Despite concerns from Claudes wife, Kay, that he might get too involved, Claude works the case. Gradually, he gets so into it he does not notice his wifes call when the couples eighteen-year-old, Nicole, is hospitalized.
Claude eventually solves the meaning of the statements. Later, Nicole goes out with friends, informing her dad where shes going. Claude, too wrapped up in his thoughts upon decoding the clues, doesnt hear her. Before leaving, Nicole hands the mail to Claude, who notices an envelope with no return address or stamp, wondering how it got delivered. Upon opening it, he discovers its the killers clue and theorizes the guy knows where he lives, even had the nerve to deliver the clue. Claude then solves this clue--and realizes the next victim to be his daughter.
During his frantic search, he finds Nicoles car. Though abandoned, a clue is left in the cars trunk, this one hinting where the suspect has taken the girl. Claude calls police and, unsure how quickly theyll arrive at the scene in addition to feeling responsible for Nicoles predicament, goes there himself.
At the location, he finds the place unoccupied then hears a car drive off and deduces whos in the vehicle: the killer and Nicole.
The guy tells Nicole, now bound and gagged, he will dump her in the nearby river then take care of Claude. However, as they approach the river, the girl loosens her bonds, distracting her captor. As a result, he swerves and crashes into the water.
Tailing them, Claude jumps into the river, swims to the car and grasps his daughters hand. But after swimming ashore, he discovers its the killer hes pulled free.
After a struggle, Claude subdues the man then rescues Nicole and takes her to the hospital. Kay joins them in the Intensive Care Unit, father and daughter with minor injuries. Claude promises this to be his last case and the couple reconciles, again a family.
