Mandarin plaid by S.J. Rozan

In ten words or less: A ransom drop goes wrong; fashion show may be ruined.

Review: Lydia Chin is hired for a straight-forward job--seliver a ransom in return for a set of sketches for an upcoming fashion show. Designer Genna Jing is a friend of Lydia's brother, and he recommended her for the job.
But Lydia is shot at while making the drop, and a suspect is murdered before she and her partner Bill Smith can question him. Their investigation takes them into the world of models, designers, and the sweatshops that produce the garments. They cross paths with the police; there is a detective that has a personal grudge against Smith.

Why bother? Each book in this series reveals more about Lydia and Bill. She's a feisty, headstrong young woman who cares about her partner, but doesn't want a romantic relationship with him. A winner!