A storm-struck island, a blood-soaked bed, and a missing man lead Senior Investigator Shana Merchant to suspect a killer is among them—murder may be a family affair. Thirteen months after surviving an abduction by a serial killer, Shana seeks a fresh start in her fiancé's quiet hometown in Upstate New York. However, as a nor'easter approaches, she and fellow investigator Tim Wellington are called to a private island owned by the wealthy Sinclair family to investigate a missing person. Upon arrival, they find blood at the scene and a tense atmosphere among the Sinclair family and their guests. While Tim believes it may be a runaway case, Shana is convinced they are dealing with murder. As the storm rages outside, she conducts interviews and uncovers dark secrets among the Sinclairs and their visitors. Trapped on the island with unreliable allies, restless suspects, and her own traumatic memories, Shana must learn to trust herself again. With time running out, she realizes that if her instincts are correct, a killer is close by, and the risk of another strike increases as pressure mounts.
Shana Merchant Series
This gripping series plunges readers into a world of dark secrets and thrilling mysteries, centered around a seasoned investigator haunted by her past. Seeking solace in a new beginning, she finds herself drawn into complex cases where personal trauma intertwines with criminal intrigue. Each investigation unravels intricate relationships and hidden motives, forcing her to confront not only killers but her own inner demons. The narrative masterfully blends suspenseful plotlines with deep psychological exploration, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
Recommended Reading Order
Senior Investigator Shana Merchant leidet unter einer posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung, seit ein Serienkiller sie gefangen hielt. Von der Rückkehr ins Grenzland der Thousand-Islands-Region, Shanas Heimat, hatte sie sich eigentlich innere Ruhe und ein beschauliches Kleinstadtleben erhofft – eine Illusion, wie sich schnell herausstellt: In Swanton wird das Skelett ihres seit Jahrzehnten vermisst gemeldeten Onkels gefunden. Die örtliche Polizei geht von einem Mord aus. Dann verschwindet ein kleiner Junge auf einer der Inseln. Shana ahnt, dass die beiden Fälle etwas miteinander zu tun haben. Und nicht nur das: Jemand scheint nur auf ihre Rückkehr gewartet zu haben. Jemand, der sie schon lange verfolgt ...