by J. A. Jance
Part of Ali Reynolds, book 10
First published 2015
Ali Reynolds thought married life with B. Simpson would bring peace. Instead, her new daughter-in-law begs for help. Someone is threatening the girl's grandmother Betsy, breaking into her home and turning on gas burners at night. The local police dismiss Betsy as confused due to her age. Ali must find a way to protect the elderly woman before the threats turn deadly. Meanwhile, Sister Anselm, Ali's longtime friend and Taser-carrying nun, calls from a hospital bedside. A pregnant young woman lies injured after being struck by a car on a remote Arizona highway. The girl was fleeing The Family, a polygamous cult that punishes members who attempt to escape. The case reminds Sister Anselm of another young woman she tried to help years ago, one who wasn't fortunate enough to survive. Sister Anselm needs Ali's assistance to uncover the truth about The Family's hidden secrets. Time runs short as Ali works both cases, racing to save Betsy while helping Sister Anselm protect the injured girl from cult members who will stop at nothing to silence those who dare to leave.
Genres: suspense, mystery, crime, thriller
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: found-family, race-against-time
Setting: Arizona, The Family
Period: Contemporary
337 pages · Hardcover · Gallery Books
Content warnings: violence