First published 2017
Sacramento Police Detectives John Penley and Paula Newberry thought they were investigating simple drug trafficking. The stolen street drugs case seems routine until they discover the criminals are fellow officers working inside the system. The corruption runs deeper than either detective expected. Sherman leads the corrupt group, but prison bars cannot contain his reach. From behind bars, he orders the murders of witnesses who testified against him. Sherman shifts his focus to Newberry, making her a target. Political pressure builds as blame falls on Newberry's shoulders. Someone must answer for the mounting crimes. The choice becomes stark: Newberry or Sherman must pay the price. L'Etoile crafts a police thriller where the line between law and lawlessness blurs, and justice becomes a matter of survival.
Genres: mystery, crime, thriller, detective
Vibes: dark, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, investigation
Setting: Sacramento
320 pages · Hardcover · Crooked Lane Books