In the suspense-charged tradition of Patricia Cornwell, Anna Salter draws from her professional expertise to introduce forensic psychologist Michael Stone, a sharply witty, courageous heroine who champions the victims of the most devastating crimes.

Called to testify in a high-profile custody battle, Michael delivers a professional assessment that shocks her Vermont community: a prominent, well-respected surgeon likely has sexually abused his son and daughter. In the midst of a nightmarish trial, Michael's testimony is ignored, the case is abruptly closed, and two innocent children fail victim to an unjust system. Then a devastating murder sends the case spiraling in a new direction ... Desperate to sort fact from fiction, Michael taps the mind of jailed perp Alex B. Willy, whose unthinkable obsessions may help her unlock the motives behind the brutal crime. But in the eyes of a killer, she has crossed over the line: someone is closing in on Michael, invading her guarded private life with deadly intent ...

*** POLICE / DETECTIVE / LAW ENFORCEMENT ***