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Winner of the Pacific Northwest Literary Contest for Best Mystery/Thriller

Some secrets are worth dying for.

Others are worth killing for.

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"Patchell is a master story teller with a real talent for creating pulse-pounding suspense."

~ Kevin O'Brien New York Times Bestselling Author of Hide Your Fear

Five years after the brutal slaying of her husband, software executive Jill Shannon is ready to take the next step in her life. But with her wedding to prosecuting attorney Conner Manning just eight weeks away, her future father-in-law’s political ambitions for her fiancé threaten all her hopes. Jill’s past holds dark secrets. Secrets she can’t afford to have exposed under the relentless lights of a political campaign. 

 

When Phoenix Detective David Shaw turns up at Jill’s door asking questions about a reporter's murder, he has no idea what a lethal Pandora’s Box he’s just opened. Was the womanizing reporter killed by a jealous husband, or was it related to his drug use? Or did it have something to do with the secret expose the reporter was working on? Jill Shannon looks like a dead-end lead but Shaw can’t shake the feeling the beautiful widow has secrets she’s not sharing.


Jill is caught between the sins of her past and the shattered hopes for her future. Shaw finds himself drawn deeper into a twisted labyrinth of lies and danger. One thing is clear: some vows are made out loud in front of witnesses. But some vows are made in silence, and witnesses can’t be left alive.

"Jill Shannon is a forceful protagonist and someone to be reckoned with."

~ Amazon Reviewer

"I don't think I was able to take a deep breath until I read the last page and I think the ending was perfect!"

~ Misty

"So, another story told with a great plot, well developed and believable characters and all the attention to detail we have come to expect from Chris Patchell."

~ Judith

"Just when you think you know what’s going on, you get hit with a surprise."

~ Pam

"You will stay up all night trying to figure this one out. Chris Patchell keeps good secrets also."

~ Cynthia

"This is a great thriller with one of the most exciting and strong female lead characters that I have ever read."

~ Amazon Reviewer

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