by Ace Atkins
Part of Spenser, book 14
First published 1988
A reporter gets too curious about the wrong story in Wheaton, a quiet New England college town. He pays with his life. The local police seem more interested in covering up than solving the case, so Spenser gets called in to find the truth. He brings Hawk for muscle and Susan Silverman for her psychological expertise. The three quickly discover that drugs and murder have invaded this supposedly peaceful academic community. They uncover a brutal cocaine operation where dealers value product over people. The ring will kill anyone who threatens their business. Spenser must navigate a world where human life means nothing and cocaine means everything. He faces criminals who see murder as just another business expense.
Genres: suspense, mystery, crime, thriller
Vibes: dark, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: amateur-sleuth, found-family
Setting: Wheaton, New England
320 pages · Mass Market Paperback · Dell
Content warnings: drug-use, murder, violence