"When a raging fire destroys the modern mansion of wealthy restaurateur Joseph Skane and kills his disabled wife, Mrs. Skane's nurse, Maria, is arrested for arson and murder. Soon afterward, a mysterious caller hires investigator Anna Peters to help with Maria's defense." "Although Anna has had her share of unusual cases, this one is her biggest challenge yet. Maria has refused to speak since running from the burning house, and even when she agrees to respond to Anna's questions in writing, Anna suspects she's hiding information that could clear her name. To discover the source of Maria's fear, Anna turns her eyes on the Skane family: Joseph's handsome son and his volatile fiancee; a stepdaughter convinced that Joseph betrayed her mother; servants who know more than they're willing to tell; and Joseph himself, whose financial success has taken less than the usual amount of time to achieve." "With characteristic tenacity, Anna gathers evidence that takes her far beyond the borders of the Skanes' peaceful Washington, D.C., suburb. But as she gets closer to the secrets that will free her uncooperative client, she never expects to find her own life at risk."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved