by Robert Crais
First published 2013
Scott James carries rage like a loaded weapon. Eight months after gunmen killed his partner Stephanie and left him broken, the LAPD officer remains unfit for active duty. His new partner arrives with four legs and her own demons. Maggie, a German shepherd veteran of three combat tours detecting explosives, lost her handler to an IED blast. Both cop and dog suffer from severe PTSD. The department wants them gone, but Scott refuses to let Stephanie's murder case die. He and Maggie begin investigating the attack that destroyed his life. The official story starts falling apart as they dig deeper. Scott discovers the truth about that night bears little resemblance to what his superiors told him. Their search for answers drags both partners through the worst memories each carries. Scott must confront his fury and shame while Maggie battles the trauma of war. Together they face the men who killed Stephanie, but survival depends on whether two damaged souls can heal each other.
Genres: mystery, crime, thriller, action
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: damaged-heroes, found-family
Setting: LAPD, Los Angeles
312 pages · Hardcover · G.P. Putnam's Sons
Content warnings: violence