The Iowa Lakes region is home to deep blue lakes, summer resorts, and a respectable community with families going back generations. But this idyllic image is shattered one night when a fisherman draws in a net with the body of local darling Virginia Lawrey. Seasoned prosecutor Michael Cain with his unrelenting thirst for justice soon gets drawn deep into the investigation. Haunted by his own past, Michael is forced to confront his own ghosts and those of his hometown―someone close has aligned themselves with the devil. Can Michael redeem himself and find the culprit before more lives are lost―including his own? Gene Gross is fortunate and grateful for the outstanding mentors who encouraged him as a young musician and teacher. Gene served 38 years as a band director and following retirement, maintained a private studio for ten years. As a horn player, he performed with bands and orchestras throughout South Dakota and Iowa. His chamber compositions for horn are published by Grand Mesa Music. Gene is a Past-President of the Iowa Bandmasters Association and served as chairperson of the organization’s Endowment Fund Committee for 21 years. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of South Dakota, a Masters of Music Education degree from Drake University, and additional postgraduate studies at the University of Iowa. He and his wife have two sons and five grandchildren and live in Ames, Iowa. An avid reader, Gene’s fascination with mystery novels began at an early age. By fifth grade he knew he would write a novel; it just took a few decades to finish.