First published 1997
Inspector Banks stares down at the battered corpse of a neo-Nazi hate group member, stomped to death in what should be a straightforward case. The evidence points to obvious suspects with clear motives. But Banks feels something darker lurking beneath the surface of this brutal killing. As he digs deeper into the victim's connections and enemies, the inspector discovers layers of corruption that extend far beyond simple revenge. The investigation pulls Banks into a dangerous web where hate groups, financial schemes, and extremist beliefs collide. Violence escalates around him as powerful people work to keep their secrets buried. Banks must navigate between rival factions and uncover which of many potential killers actually committed the murder. The case forces him to confront the worst impulses of human nature while risking his own safety. Banks realizes that solving this crime means exposing a network of people who will kill to protect their interests.
Genres: mystery, crime, thriller, detective
Vibes: dark, emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, investigation, secrets
336 pages · Hardcover · Viking
Content warnings: violence