Sweet Water

What did her son do in the woods last night? Does a mother really want to know?

It’s what Sarah Ellsworth dreamed of. Marriage to her childhood sweetheart, Martin. Living in a historic mansion in Pennsylvania’s most exclusive borough. And Finn, a teenage son with so much promise. Until…A call for help in the middle of the night leads Sarah and Martin to the woods, where they find Finn, injured, dazed, and weeping near his girlfriend’s dead body. Convinced he’s innocent, Sarah and Martin agree to protect their son at any cost and not report the crime.

But there are things Sarah finds hard to reconcile: a cover-up by Martin’s family that’s so unnervingly cold-blooded. Finn’s lies to the authorities are too comfortable, too proficient, not to arouse her suspicions. Even the secrets of the old house she lives in seem to be connected to the incident. As each troubling event unfolds, Sarah must decide how far she’ll go to save her perfect life.

Cara Reinard grew up north of Sewickley, Pennsylvania in a steel mill town, raised by a single mother. Sewickley, with its grand houses in the Heights and boutique shops on Main was a magical place, out of reach. Cara then attended a private college, Gannon University, becoming the features editor for the college paper, and receiving a scholarship. The residence in Sweet Water was inspired by the party home of steel mogul B.F. Jones—the property still exists, including the pool and pergola. Cara is the author of women’s fiction and domestic suspense. She currently lives outside of Pittsburgh with her husband, two children, and Bernese mountain dog. For more information, visit www.carareinard.com.