Award-winning author Lauren E. Rico’s intense psychological thriller plumbs the depths of trauma and identity in an emotional story about twin sisters set against the murky backdrop of the Everglades.

Dr. Jennifer Flores swore she’d never return to Miami—not after her mentor nearly destroyed her career and reputation to save his own. But when he asks the successful psychiatrist to consult on a high-profile case, she reluctantly agrees. This case echoes Jenn’s own twin-related trauma, and no one is better suited for the job.

Separated at birth, identical twins Mary Langston and Samantha Kinski met by chance in college five years ago. Today, they were found deep in the Florida Everglades, one barely alive and the other deceased. Jenn’s evaluation of survivor Mary’s mental status reveals more of the sisters’ extraordinary backstory. They experienced two vastly different childhoods: While adopted Mary thrived in the lap of luxury, Sam faltered in the brutal foster system.

As Jenn digs deeper into the twins’ turbulent bond, a dark picture emerges. Psychological manipulation. Family secrets. Mistaken identity. And as she gets closer to uncovering the truth, she finally confronts her own devastating loss.

© 2026 by Lauren E. Rico, all rights reserved.

<p>Lauren E. Rico is an award-winning author and nationally recognized classical music broadcaster. Known for her twisty, emotional fiction, she has published more than a dozen novels, delighting readers with stories that explore the intersections of family, identity, and suspense.</p><p>For over three decades, Lauren’s voice has been a familiar presence on the airwaves, whether on SiriusXM’s Symphony Hall channel, radio stations in New York City and beyond, or in-flight entertainment aboard several international airlines. A lifelong musician and former French horn student, she brings the same passion and storytelling energy to her broadcasts as she does to her novels.</p><p>When she’s not writing or broadcasting, Lauren can be found puttering around with her husband, Tom, and their rescue pup, Sandy—plotting her next story along the way.</p>