The Armageddon Rag by George R. R. Martin
Martin's forgotten novel from 1983 is like Big Chill meets Spinal Tap, with a tough version of George as brash detective. Reading this in strife-ridden Saint Louis echoes surprisingly well, with helicopters hovering*, daily street protests, and repeated unpunished murder. The ghosts of the past keep coming back to life.
* When the helicopter was flying over, there was indeed a demonstration happening just a couple blocks away.
* When the helicopter was flying over, there was indeed a demonstration happening just a couple blocks away.