Detroit Electric Scheme by D.E. Johnson

 The Detroit Electric Scheme: a Mystery by  D. E. Johnson (2010)

This powerful mystery takes place in 1910 Detroit and encompasses murder, corruption, police brutality and illegal immigration.  Will Anderson, son of the Detroit Electric Car Company owner, finds his romantic rival murdered in a "roof press" in the Detroit Electric auto plant.  Panicking, he runs, and hides his bloody clothes, and drinks until he passes out in his apartment.  The police are definitely interested.  Then he receives a  letter offering the return of his bloody clothes. Will enlists the help of his across the hall neighbor - a pianist & singer - to try to find the real murderer.  Eventually it becomes clear that a sinister conspiracy is framing Will for this murder and others.

Will is also dealing with his own demons and trying to help his former fiancee, Elizabeth, who has become addicted to heroin.  He helps Elizabeth at his own peril, her father accusing him of kidnapping.

The story is fast-paced, bringing to life the early days of the Detroit  automobile industry, with an intriguing plot and likable but flawed character.  Michigan author D.E. Johnson will speak at the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library in May.