Robin Burcell has worked as a cop, hostage negotiator, and as an FBI-trained, forensic artist . She’s also the author of award-winning thrillers. Now she uses that unparalleled experience to continue Carolyn Weston’s groundbreaking series of books, which were the basis for the hit TV show "The Streets of San Francisco." Sgt. Al Krug and his younger, college-educated partner Casey Kellog are investigating a string of strangulation killings when another victim is found at the Presidio…but a surprising, violent incident at the crime scene makes them wonder if everything is what it seems. The two miss-matched cops, with sharply conflicting approaches to detective work, are under intense pressure to get results. It’s a race-against-the-clock investigation that propels them into the deadly intersection of politics, real estate, media and vice… the fertile, fog-shrouded killing field of a ruthless murderer. "Robin Burcell has expertly updated the Krug & Kellogg series for old and new readers alike. She knows her stuff and puts it to good use in this entertaining and authentic police procedural," Alafair Burke- New York Times Bestselling Author of ALL DAY AND A NIGHT. "A whip-smart, fast-paced tale with more twists and turns than a San Francisco street, The Last Good Place is a terrific read. Robin Burcell is a true pro!" Alison Gaylin, USA Today Bestselling Author "Burcell brilliantly revisits Weston's cop duo and delivers a modern, dark, twisting tale of murder and deception with a puzzle that will keep you guessing until the end," Jamie Freveletti, Author of Robert Ludlum's The Geneva Strategy "THE LAST GOOD PLACE is a fabulous reboot of a beloved classic. With smart, clever writing and an elegant plot, Robin Burcell has nailed it. All hail the reincarnation of Krug and Kellog," -J.T. Ellison, New York Times bestselling author of WHAT LIES BEHIND "Robin Burcell, both a writing and law enforcement veteran, takes hold of novelist Carolyn Weston’s baton to create a twisty mystery worthy of the iconic team’s homicide investigation. The streets of San Francisco come alive in this new installment, and I hope that there are more to come. A definite winner!" Naomi Hirahara, Edgar Award winner Naomi Hirahara, Edgar Award winning author of MURDER ON BAMBOO LANE "Robin Burcell breathes new life into the Streets of San Francisco in a riveting, edge of your seat thriller," Michelle Gagnon, New York Times Bestselling author of the PERSEFONE trilogy "With her three decades of law enforcement experience, Robin Burcell has breathed new life into the police procedural. Her clear love and understanding of Carolyn Weston’s original characters and their dynamics make this return to ‘the streets of San Francisco’ a complex, compelling, and ultimately satisfying tale. Great work by a great writer," Paul Bishop, LAPD detective and author of LIE CATCHERS The Last Good Place By Robin Burcell Brash Books, LLC Copyright © 2015 Brash Books LLC All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-941298-85-5 CHAPTER 1 Marcie Valentine tugged at the waist of her running pants, zipped up her purple jacket, then grabbed an elastic tie, sweeping her shoulder-length dishwater-blond hair into a ponytail as she hurried down the stairs. Once in the kitchen, she turned the blinds enough to peer out the window over the wooden fence that separated her yard from her neighbor's. Trudy Salvatori, also dressed for running in a navy zip-up hoodie and black capris, sat at her kitchen table drinking a breakfast shake and reading the newspaper. Perfect. Marcie backed away from the window, took her cell phone, then called Trudy's number. "Hey," she said when Trudy answered. "Ready for the morning run?" "Oh ... I'm running a bit late this morning. I'll meet you near the bridge trail where we usually stop. Assuming I get out of here in time." "See you there." Marcie disconnected, stuffed the phone into her jacket pocket, then leaned against the counter. Even though she knew this was going to happen, even planned for it, she was second-guessing herself. She and Trudy had been friends, best friends, ever since Marcie and Devin moved into the house five years back. Just a few months ago, at a Cinco de Mayo party, Trudy announced that she and her husband, Tony, were putting their house on the market because they were divorcing. They'd fallen out of love. Marcie had been shocked at the time. Not so any longer. No doubt in her mind as to why. Trudy was sleeping with Marcie's husband, Devin. Not that it mattered. At least it wouldn't after today, she thought as she heard Devin moving around upstairs, allegedly getting ready for work. And that was when she wondered if she really wanted this. Just let the Salvatoris move. Pretend her own husband had never been unfaithful. Or was she imagining Devin's affair with Trudy? So many little things had seemed odd. Maybe she couldn't be sure about those things. But this? Devin suddenly guarding his cell