Southern Cross

Southern Cross is a crime novel by Patricia Cornwell and the second book in her Andy Brazil series. Set in Richmond, Virginia, the novel follows police chief Judy Hammer, young reporter-turned-police-officer Andy Brazil, and deputy chief Virginia West as they confront rising crime, political pressure, and tensions within the police department. Blending police procedural, satire, and suspense, the book explores urban disorder, institutional conflict, and the challenges faced by those trying to restore order in a troubled city.