The outside man is society lawyer Adam Shaw. A northerner in a southern town jealous of its secrets, he finds the dead body of his best friend’s wealthy wife – and his friend is missing. In a world where wealthy people will stop at nothing to maintain a genteel image, Shaw must gamble his career, his marriage, and his very life in a passionate quest for the real murderer – and learn the shocking truth about his own past and future … .
A classic detective story. – The New York Times Book Review
Rich, complex, beautifully written. – The New Republic
Richard North Patterson seems destined for celebrity status, alongside Scott Turow and John Grisham, as an acknowledged master. – Los Angeles Times Book Review