When a woman calling herself Jessica Franklin visits Carlyle armed with a photograph of her fiance and doubts about his fidelity, she takes the case although her major concern is the fate of her own fiance, unable to return to the States under threat of arrest. After Franklin becomes the victim of a hit-and-run, Carlyle is the most likely suspect. When the police discover that "Jessica Franklin" is an alias, Carlyle, in more trouble than ever, turns to her old friend and former boss at the Boston PD, Joseph Mooney. Together, they delve into a small community on Cape Cod, where a local Native American tribe is lobbying for land--perhaps to use for a casino.

"The most refreshing, creative female character to hit mystery fiction since Sue Grafton's Kinsey Millhone." -- People Magazine

In Barnes's utterly compelling 12th mystery to feature Boston PI Carlotta Carlyle (after 2006's Heart of the World), Carlyle is still engaged to her mob-associated fiancé, Sam Gianelli, though she's waiting for Sam to explain why he's disappeared in the wake of rumors linking him to a dead girl. Then a woman calling herself Jessica Franklin visits Carlyle armed with a photograph of her fiance and a doubt about his fidelity. After Franklin becomes the victim of a hit-and-run, Carlyle is the most likely suspect. When the police discover that "Jessica Franklin" is an alias, Carlyle, in more trouble than ever, turns to her old friend and former boss at the Boston PD, Joseph Mooney. Together, they delve into a small community on Cape Cod, where a local Native American tribe is lobbying for land--perhaps to use for a casino. The story moves unhesitatingly from point to point, and each character encountered holds his or her space on the page with confidence and distinctiveness. The reader can just sit back and enjoy the ride. (Aug.) Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Linda Barnes, author of the critically acclaimed Carlotta Carlyle series, is a winner of the Anthony and American Mystery awards, and has been a finalist for the Edgar and the Shamus. Her latest short story, Catch Your Death, will be included in Elizabeth George's anthology, Two of the Deadliest.