A Mystery Novel About Dignity in Life and Death Veterinary surgeon Jim Briggs has helped ten Chicago homeless people commit suicide. Briggs is an angel of mercy to the residents of the Lazy Acres homeless community. He cares for their dogs for free and provides those in need with a pain-free exit from the city's harsh winters and brutal life on the street. About to leave Chicago for a new job in Portland, Oregon, Briggs is suddenly swept up in the murder investigation of his homeless friend, Mattie Powell. Chicago homicide detectives gave the case low priority until they discovered Powell was a New York Times best-selling author. The victim's drug-addicted son and estranged husband, who is trying to claim her book royalties, are the prime suspects-until an anonymous call to a tip line identifies Briggs as a possible serial killer. Now, it's up to Briggs to solve the case before he's arrested for murder.