Solitary Dancer. Joe McGuire Mystery Series

Now a former homicide detective, Joe McGuire spends his days in a drug-induced haze trying to forget the brutal beating that almost cost him his life. Driven by his addiction, McGuire associates with the kind of criminals he once brought to justice. But when his ex-wife's sister is brutally murdered, McGuire finds himself the prime suspect-and unable to refute the evidence that points to him. Driven to prove his innocence, McGuire must fight his addiction, a police department biased against him, and a criminal underworld that threatens to consume him.
Solitary Dancer is the fifth title in the Joe McGuire mystery series, and the fourth novel in the series to be nominated for an Arthur Ellis Award for Best Novel. It is followed by Haunted Hearts. Praise for Solitary Dancer".the plot, clever and complex, moves relentlessly toward a wrenching climax."-Ottawa Citizen