Chicago, 1969: The trial of eight protestors from the Democratic Convention the previous year has the whole world watching—and all of Chicagoland on edge. Smokey Dalton feels the pressure: more cops on the streets, more FBI in his neighborhood.

But when the landlord at one of Sturdy Investments’ South Side properties dies alone in his apartment, Smokey agrees to investigate He finds old human bones in the basement, along with hints of more. Smokey and his girlfriend, Sturdy’s CEO Laura Hathaway, worry that Laura’s father knew who used that basement and why.

Without involving law enforcement, they decide to hold a thorough investigation and discover secrets they never ever imagined, secrets that could threaten Smokey, Laura, Sturdy, and one of Chicago’s greatest institutions. Secrets worth killing for.

•Chosen as one of the top ten books of the year by Kirkus.
•Chosen as one of the best mystery novels of the year by Deadly Pleasures Magazine
•Winner, Spotted Owl Award for Best Mystery by a Northwest Writer.
•Shamus nomination for Best Private Eye Hardcover Novel.