A colleague and ex-lover is dead. Murdered. A colleague and friend has been tried, convicted, and imprisoned for this murder. An estranged lover is romantically enmeshed with the lover of the convicted murderer. These are the not-so-pleasant surprises awaiting Lindsay Gordon on her return from her self-imposed exile following the messy aftermath of her last investigation. Lindsay's "finely honed sense of justice" demands she investigate the murder and clear her friend's name. Her efforts are muddied by the fact that Alison Maxwell, the murdered woman, inspired violence in a long list of credible suspects. As Lindsay plunges deeper and deeper into the tangled web of lies, secrets, and intrigue surrounding the victim's colorful and unethical life, she uncovers blackmail, prostitution, betrayal of trust, the theft of classified Scottish Office papers - and a shocking resolution! Lindsay Gordon - loyal friend, dedicated journalist, reluctant sleuth, strong woman with keen intelligence, indefatigable energy, generous nature - is at it again!