by Jan Burke
Part of Irene Kelly, book 2
Irene Kelly works as a reporter who refuses to compromise her principles. Her boyfriend Frank Harriman serves as a detective on the local police force. A vicious political campaign for district attorney erupts when one candidate makes explosive accusations. He claims his rival's son has joined a satanic cult. The political mudslinging turns violent when someone murders a local woman. The crime scene contains disturbing symbols that suggest ritual killing. Irene follows leads that take her to a residential facility for at-risk teenagers. The institution hides dark secrets behind its mission to help troubled youth. Someone at the facility plays a twisted game where concealing facts serves a sinister purpose. Irene must navigate dangerous territory to uncover what really happened. Her search for truth puts her own safety at risk as she confronts forces that will stop at nothing to protect their secrets.
Genres: suspense, mystery, crime, thriller
Vibes: dark, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Residential Facility, Local Community
Period: Contemporary
288 pages · Hardcover · Piatkus Books LTD
Content warnings: murder, violence