In a mystery inspired by a historical murder, best friends become amateur sleuths when a senator’s memoir reveals secrets someone would kill to keep quiet.

Why was a US senator suddenly writing a book about an unsolved murder that happened fifty years ago?

Dynamic duo Harrie McKinsey and Ginger Vaughn know the story is bound to stir up trouble, especially since the ruthless killing on Easter Sunday in 1950 led to the end of illegal casinos in New Mexico. Eager to tell the tale, the two ambitious editors take on the high profile project. But just moments after the Albuquerque press announces the news of the senator’s upcoming exposé, a person closely connected to the case is killed, and another narrowly escapes death.

Suddenly Harrie and Ginger are not just editing the story but racing to get to the bottom of it.

Uncovering the clues pits Ginger against her overprotective husband, and Harrie against an attractive FBI agent who would prefer she keep her pretty nose out of it. But Harrie is having mysterious dreams about the murder victims, so she feels an urgency to stay on the case, even if it means confronting a cold-blooded killer intent on silencing Harrie and Ginger forever.

What critics are saying

“Patricia Smith Wood deftly guides you through this thrilling tale to its surprise conclusion. You’ll love it!” — Sandi Ault, the Mary Higgins Clark Award–winning author of the Wild mystery series

“Imaginative and compelling! A tantalizing plot and memorable characters combine to make this a spellbinding debut.” — Margaret Tessler, author of the Sharon Salazar mystery series