Fresh off a harrowing three years of overexposure to murder and danger, lawyer Leyla James leaves behind the D.C. winter during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. She is eagerly looking forward to a carefree six-month rental of her friend’s beach house in the Florida Gulf Coast. Unfortunately, during a hike on a nature trail, Leyla’s anticipated fun in the sun is abruptly interrupted when she discovers the body of an unidentified young woman under the Lemon Bay Boardwalk.

Although determined not to get involved, Leyla is roped in by the somber, severely understaffed local police chief, Sam. She suddenly finds herself embroiled in yet another murder investigation, this time of a female victim with a fake identity. Saddened by the idea that the victim’s family will never know the fate of their loved one, Leyla decides to spend her tropical work vacation helping to identify the victim and figure out what happened to her. But danger lurks within this idyllic paradise, and as the investigation unfolds, Leyla finds herself in the crosshairs of a killer.

Eveline once again delivers a thrilling mystery in this fourth installment of the Leyla James series. The author produces intrigue with a main storyline that keeps readers guessing and a subplot tied to characters from previous books in the collection. Backstories are cleverly introduced so that readers new to the series will have no difficulty following along. With an impressive legal career spanning over three decades, Eveline produces authentic legal scenarios, vividly detailed murder scenes, and entertaining investigations into imaginative crimes. The lead character possesses a delightful blend of feisty intelligence that makes her relatable and interesting. Both fans and readers new to the series will enjoy this latest adventure of Leyla James.

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