Finalist for the Macavity Award, Barry Award & Mary Higgins Clark Award
“This young heroine (she’s just turned 25) is a splendid character, smart and resourceful but also vulnerable and more than a little unsure of herself. Preston smoothly sets up her story so that, by the end of the novel, Chantalene is in a position from which she can solve mysteries on a regular basis. This sparkling debut is recommended for all mystery lovers but especially those who enjoy strong female leads.” —Booklist
“Strongly recommended.” —Library Journal, June 2001
Returning to her hometown to solve the mystery of her father’s lynching, Chantalene must also unravel the mystery of her Mother’s disappearance fifteen years ago. Shrouded in shame and secrecy, the townspeople resent Chantalene’s meddling and history threatens to repeat itself. Chantalene must reevaluate who is friend and foe in a once familiar small town, where no one is who they appear to be.