When a rash of animal mutilations plague a rural Pennsylvania community and a vicious poison pen campaign is directed against an ambitious young lawyer, it leads to murder. Daniel ‘Sticks’ Hetrick, retired police chief, and Flora Vastine, a novice officer, team up and encounter false leads, a series of dangerous episodes and another murder before the case is resolved.

“John R. Lindermuth doesn't write fiction.  He writes life!  The people, the setting and the events in this story are things you'll long remember.  You won't be just reading this story of realistic characters, you'll experience it.  From a secret crush to a murderous plot, there are twists and turns in every chapter.  Sticks Hetrick--retired?  Don't you believe it.” Anne K. Edwards, author of Death On Delivery, www.mysteryfiction.net

"John Lindermuth has magnum sizzle. Reading him is like a fresh bullet fired from a newly minted gun." - Eric Meeks, author of the Author Murders