Part of Alex Delaware, book 29
First published 2014
Dr. Alex Delaware thought the court-ordered psychological evaluation would be routine. Constance Sykes, a polished physician, wants custody of her niece from her sister. Delaware sees sophisticated professionals like Connie regularly in his work as a police consultant. But as he digs into the family dynamics, he discovers the Sykes sisters harbor secrets that run deeper than sibling rivalry. The custody case spirals into violence when bodies start dropping. Someone is methodically eliminating anyone connected to the dispute. When the young girl at the heart of the battle vanishes, Delaware teams up with Detective Milo Sturgis to navigate Los Angeles's criminal underworld. They chase leads through failed actors, gang members, and corrupt officials. Delaware realizes he has stumbled into something far more dangerous than a family feud. The case forces him to confront how evil can hide behind respectability and success.
Genres: mystery, crime, detective, psychological-thriller
Vibes: dark, emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, investigation, secrets
Setting: Los Angeles
335 pages · Hardcover · Ballantine Books
Content warnings: violence