What’s it about?
Herbert Marioneaux, a Louisiana state legislator with a reputation for changing his mind on sensitive issues, has been murdered. DNA evidence points directly at Eddie Pitkin, a social justice activist who’s had well documents run-ins with Marioneaux before. Many in the court of public opinion are quick to call for Pitkin’s conviction.
Wallace Hartman, the homicide detective assigned to the investigation, is also the childhood best friend of Pitkin’s half-brother so, in the eyes of some, her objectivity is in question from the beginning. Wallace discovers an iffy alibi witness and evidence of a troubled relationship between Marioneaux and his son. Questions about the source of the DNA evidence surface. What began as an open and shut case becomes murky and politicized, sparking waves of violence across Baton Rouge. Wallace is forced to dig deep into the dark heart of the political establishment to untangle a web of old, disturbing secrets.
What do reviewers say?
This novel has everything you could want in an intriguing mystery: a harrowing crime, fast-paced action, richly drawn characters that bring the story to life, and a jaw-dropping ending that you won’t see coming.—Heather Gudenkauf, New York Times bestselling author of Not a Sound
A worthy sequel with plenty of procedural detail and a shattering conclusion.—Kirkus Reviews
Tension builds throughout the story as the reader waits to learn where a clue may lead. Pulsing fear, momentary relief, then the danger increases again . . . Mr. Johns surely manages to keep us turning pages. Well done dialogue and unique characters and relationships . . . It’s a fast paced tale that will draw you right in. Very entertaining and definitely recommended.—Mystery Suspense Reviews
Who wrote it?
Roger Johns is the author of the Wallace
Hartman Mysteries from St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books. He is the 2018 Georgia Author of the Year (Detective/Mystery Category) for his debut novel, Dark River Rising, which has also been nominated for a Killer Nashville Reader’s Choice Award. River of Secrets, will be out on August 28, 2018. Roger is a member of the Atlanta Writers Club, Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, and Mystery Writers of America. Along with four other crime fiction writers, he co-authors the MurderBooks blog. Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.
Where can I get it?
