by J. A. Jance
Part of Joanna Brady, book 11
First published 2004
Sheriff Joanna Brady faces her most disturbing case yet when a brutal killer emerges from the shadows of Cochise County. The crimes bear the hallmarks of someone who has perfected their methods over time, leaving behind a trail of violence that stretches deep into the past. As Brady pieces together the evidence, she realizes this predator has been operating undetected for years, growing bolder and more vicious with each attack. The investigation forces her to confront not just the killer's present crimes but a web of past victims whose stories have never been told. Brady must navigate the complex layers of old secrets and fresh horrors while racing against time to prevent more bloodshed. The case tests her skills as both an investigator and a leader, pushing her department to its limits as they pursue an adversary who seems always one step ahead. At its heart, this is a story about justice delayed and the determination required to finally bring a long-hidden evil into the light.
Genres: suspense, mystery, crime, detective
Vibes: dark, emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: determined-protagonist, investigation, race-against-time
Setting: Cochise County
416 pages · Paperback · Avon
Content warnings: graphic-violence, murder