Samantha Kincaid was working in the misdemeanor intake unit issuing one criminal trespass after criminal trespass case.  All she could think about to herself is "Wow! What a way to spend your 32^nd birthday."

Around 8:30 a young woman came into the intake unit and asked for Samatha.  She stated she had a call for her and transferred it back.  The call was from Jack Walker who was one of the major crime team detectives.  He told Samatha he had work for her.  A body was found in Hillside and he was told she was the gal for this one. Samantha was a little surprised and wanted to know who told him this.  He stated it was the senior deputy district attorney Russell Frist.  He also informed her that this case was going to be a dousy. 

The victim was star investigative reporter Percy Crenshaw who had been bludgeoned to death in his carport.  For weeks previous to Crenshaw's death, tensions in the city were running high.  A police officer shot and killed an unarmed mother of two.  He said it was self-defense.  There were many anti-police demonstrations as a result. 

It didn't take long for an arrest to be made after Crenshaw's death.  Within hours two young men were arrested.  One of the men confessed to killing Crenshaw.  This pretty well wrapped up the case until the suspect recanted his confession.  The man stated that he was coerced through different tactics the police department used. 

Samantha knew she now had to find more evidence.  Does Samantha realize what she is getting into?  She is now in the middle of the city's political battles.  Her investigation takes her through a maze of connections between the city's drug trade and the police officers in the precinct. 

Alafair Burke is a skilled writer and this novel will captivate you.  There is plenty of suspense and Alafair Burke takes the reader on one wild ride as she goes through her investigation.  The author has done an excellent job with the Samantha Kincaid character.  She comes across as down to earth but at the same time she is such a cool investigator.  The Samantha Kincaid series keeps getting better and better and we look forward to more books.  Be sure to add this one to your reading list.  It is highly recommended.

REVIEWED BY NANCY EATON

DO NOT REPRINT WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE REVIEWER, NANCY EATON