"A tale full of complex plot lines, fast-paced action, and characters skilled in deception. Fans . . . will not be disappointed."--Library Journal, starred review

"Jane Lawless and her trusty sidekick, Cordelia Thorn, are the most refreshing, entertaining, and cerebrally stimulating duo since Rex Stout's unbeatable combo of Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin."--Baltimore Alternative

Minneapolis restaurateur Jane Lawless is at a crossroads. The rough economy has put her plans for a third restaurant on hold, and her long distance romance is on the rocks and quite possibly unsalvageable. Unsure of what to do next, she takes her good friend A. J. Nolan up on his standing offer to take her on as a private investigator.

While still in training, Jane's first job seems simple enough. Annie Archer explains that she left Steamboat Springs, Colorado, in search of her stepfather who vanished soon after her mom died in 1990. All Jane has to do is find Annie's stepfather. But it's not long before a hunt for a missing person turns into murder and Jane realizes this case is far from simple.

Ellen Hart is the author of twenty Jane Lawless mysteries. She is a five-time winner of the Lambda Literary Award for Best Lesbian Mystery and a three-time winner of the Minnesota Book Award for Best Popular Fiction. Ellen lives in the Minneapolis area with her partner.