“A slow-burning tale of vigilante justice”—first in a the series from the award-winning author of the Virgil Cain mysteries and Cactus Jack (Kirkus Reviews). Carl Burns returns to his hometown to uncover a viper’s nest of corruption and dark secrets in this tense and twisting novel of suspense . . . After ten years’ absence and a spell in prison, Carl Burns has returned to his hometown of Rose City to offer support to his estranged daughter Kate, currently one of four witnesses testifying against former Mayor Joseph Sanderson III, who stands accused of multiple counts of underage rape. Carl is determined to get justice for Kate, whatever it takes. But with his former sister-in-law Frances his only ally, he finds himself incurring the wrath of powerful enemies as he attempts to uncover the shocking truth beneath the layers of corruption and lies which engulf the town. Praise for Brad Smith “Brad Smith has got the goods—he’s funny, poignant, evocative, and he tells a blistering tale. A writer to watch, a comet on the horizon.”—Dennis Lehane, New York Times bestselling author “Rivals Elmore Leonard at his best.”—Publishers Weekly “Country noir doesn’t get much better.”—Library Journal “Nobody does stand-up guys better than Smith.”—Booklist