“Purgatory Chasm” by Steve Ulfelder (Minotaur, 288 pgs., $23.99)

The redemption that every flawed person tries to find in life enhances the complex plot that percolates in former journalist Steve Ulfelder’s exciting mystery fiction debut.

And “Purgatory Chasm” is certainly loaded with myriad flawed characters and their avenues to redemption, starting with Conway Sax.

An ex-con and a precise car mechanic, Conway’s life was saved by the Barnburners, an unusual Alcoholics Anonymous group that doesn’t just get its members clean and sober but also acts as a kind of avenging angel for the vulnerable and powerless. “Serious AA for serious people,” says Conway.

But sobriety comes at a cost. While he is constantly pushing away the bottle, Conway also pushes away the people who care about him most, including his girlfriend, her children and his own son. “I was bad at families,” he knows, but seems powerless to change his behavior.

But Conway doesn’t shirk his duties to the Barnburners, even when the member he dislikes the most asks for a favor. Tander Phigg wants Conway to help retrieve his classic 1980 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL from Das Motorenwerk, a New Hampshire garage that’s done nothing to the car in the 18 months it’s been there.

But the simple request results in Conway being beaten up and his truck vandalized. When Tander is murdered, Conway is the prime suspect. To clear his name, Conway begins his own investigation into Tander to learn why this once wealthy man has fallen on hard times and if the garage has businesses beyond cars.

“Purgatory Chasm” moves at a brisk clip as Ulfelder smoothly steers his plot from one hairpin twist to the next. “Purgatory Chasm” is a superb beginning for an author who shows much promise.

“Deadly Threads” by Jane K. Cleland (Minotaur, 288 pgs., $24.99)

The traditional mystery with its tightly focused plots that avoid excessive violence and sex continues to thrive.

Authors of today’s traditional mysteries put a modern spin on the foundation set decades ago by Agatha Christie. By using myriad occupations as the background, the traditional mystery has evolved into a reflection of the times, showing how work seeps into each aspect of our lives, affects our relationships and channels our rage.

Jane K. Cleland’s novels about antiques dealer and appraiser Josie Prescott are prime examples of how the traditional mystery has never gone out of style. After all, greed fuels too many crimes. “Deadly Threads,” the sixth novel in Cleland’s series, looks at the history and value of vintage clothing and accessories and how celebrities’ lives often are played out in the tabloids.

Josie has landed her good friend Riley Jordan as the guest speaker for a workshop on vintage accessories. Riley wrote the definitive book on shoes and handbags that details their value and the difference between the real and the fakes. A star in the antiques world, Riley also is an heiress who controls a considerable fortune; her unraveling marriage to celebrity chef Bobby Jordan is being played out in the tabloids. Riley’s murder in Josie’s warehouse puts the spotlight on Bobby, whose actions are hardly that of a grieving spouse. But Josie has a sinking feeling that one of her staff — each of whom she considers to be family — may be the culprit.

Cleland keeps the pace brisk as “Deadly Threads” realistically looks at how co-workers can become close friends and extended family.

Josie is an appealing character, a good businesswoman and an insightful sleuth. Agatha Christie would be very proud of the legacy of authors she helped start.