Thrilled to Death

Detective Wade Jackson, of Eugene Oregon's Violent Crimes Division, has more than a professional interest in the disappearance of Danette Blake. In addition to being the mother of an infant, the missing young woman is also the widowed daughter-in-law of Kera Kollmorgan--the woman Jackson loves. But the politics surrounding the mysterious death of Courtney Durham, a notorious party girl with rich, powerful parents, trumps Jackson's personal concern. While all signs indicate Danette has fled the pressures of single motherhood, it appears Courtney's reputation for walking on the wild side led to her homicide. But without evidence of foul play, Jackson may be probing "crimes" that never happened. As headquarters turns up the heat, he follows a trail of twists and turns to a secretive psychiatrist, a sleazy strip-club owner, a benevolent organization for needy mothers, and a bizarre service for edgy thrill-seekers. The deeper he descends into Courtney's wanton world, the more suspects, motives, and disturbing facts he uncovers. And though it's hardly the first time a case has led Jackson into dark territory, he winds up face-to-face with the last person he expects.