This is an engrossing mystery with intelligent characters and a plot concerned with the important issue of child abuse. Charlie Carpenter has a reputation for crime solving in her small Ohio town along with a relationship with the local homicide detective, Mark. A new family has moved in next door and they are particularly unfriendly, but one night Charlie meets Sarah, the daughter of Judith who is married to Dr. Paxton Sharpe. Sarah seems to be asking for Charlie's help but is called back inside. Several days later Sarah is murdered, her body found by Charlie. Local Sheriff deputy George Drummond is put in charge of the investigation and he has a bad history with Mark so Charlie is told to stand back. However when she discovers a secret about Judith's twins she gets involved anyway and is the one to find the truth. I highly recommend this book.
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