Hanging Curve

Hanging Curve (ISBN 1575664550) is the sixth book in the Mickey Rawlings murder mystery series, originally published in 1999.

Set in 1922, Mickey has just joined the St. Louis Browns. A former teammate of Mickey's with the Chicago Cubs recruits Mickey to play in a semi-pro game over in East St. Louis, IL just days before the season is set to begin. Mickey is drawn in by the prospect of playing against a colored team so he agrees to play.

During the game tensions flare and a brawl breaks out, but eventually order is restored. Mickey's team loses and he can't wait to get away from the scene. In the week that follows, Slip Crawford, the winning pitcher in the semi-pro game is found dead, hanging from the backstop in the park where the game was played.

Mickey gets drawn into the murder investigation. Suspects include the other players on Mickey's team and the KKK.