Publisher's Synopsis
Hal Parker, a market research executive delivered into therapy by his divorce, returns to his childhood home in northern Florida, arriving too late for his mother's funeral--but early for another. The small rural town of North is in shock over the death of local kingpin Leon Putnam, murdered days earlier. Few, however, grieve Putnam's loss. His dark influence ruined the lives of many, including Hal's father, and even prevented the marriage of Putnam's own daughter to Hal's older brother. Claire Austen, a reporter who may or may not be in love with Hal, arrives in town to research a profile of the dead man. Her questions begin unnerving the sheriff and townspeople, all still fearful of retribution from Putnam, even from beyond the grave. Claire's life may be in danger and her relationship with Hall certainly is, but answers are bubbling up. A mysterious fire is set. Hal pulls up the repressed memory of witnessing Leon Putnam's attempted
