A gritty and intelligent V.I. Warshawski mystery where art, war, and personal identity collide on the dark edges of Chicago.
 
When a provocative performance artist known as “The Body Artist” is found dead after a late-night show, V.I. Warshawski is drawn into a case that blurs the boundaries between art and violence. The prime suspect is a young Iraq War veteran accused of the murder—but the evidence doesn’t add up. As V.I. digs deeper, she uncovers a web of secrets stretching from Chicago’s art scene to the battlefields of Baghdad, forcing her to question where loyalty and truth really lie.
 
In Body Work, Sara Paretsky delivers another powerful installment in her acclaimed V.I. Warshawski series, blending emotional depth with razor-sharp social commentary. When a controversial art performance ends in murder, V.I. is pulled into a case that challenges her ideals and her resilience.
From the galleries of Chicago’s trendy neighborhoods to the city’s rougher corners, V.I. navigates veterans’ trauma, corporate corruption, and the blurred lines between freedom of expression and exploitation. Paretsky’s writing is fierce, feminist, and unflinching—her heroine as complex and authentic as ever.
 
Smart, socially aware, and compellingly plotted, Body Work is both a gripping crime story and a deep reflection on human connection, war, and redemption.
 
💖 Why You’ll Love It
A sharp, thought-provoking mystery set in Chicago’s art world.
Features the iconic and fearless detective V.I. Warshawski.
Tackles real-world issues with empathy and insight.
Perfect balance of suspense, intelligence, and heart.
Paretsky’s prose crackles with wit, moral depth, and grit.
 
🌟 Perfect For
Fans of Sue Grafton, Louise Penny, and Michael Connelly.
Readers who love strong female detectives and socially conscious mysteries.
Book clubs interested in modern crime fiction with substance.
Chicago readers and fans of urban noir.
 
❤️ Fans Also Liked
If you enjoyed Body Work, you might also like:
Hardball by Sara Paretsky — another powerful Chicago-set mystery.
L Is for Lawless by Sue Grafton — a tough, clever female PI takes on corruption.
Still Life by Louise Penny — layered mystery with emotional intelligence.