More consorting with the Criminal Element led me to read someone else’s book about a disgraced architect:
The Fallen Architect is an atmospheric novel featuring an intriguing mystery, a sympathetic lead (who can also draw and paint), and a (literally) theatrical supporting cast, all set effectively in a colorful milieu. If this sounds good to you, read it now before it makes the easy leap to Masterpiece Mystery or an Alienist-like prestige production on TNT or Netflix…