Other than some fender-benders and lost wallets during the annual Harbor Festival, the small Maryland town of St. Dennis is quiet -- and the chief of police, Gabriel Beck, likes it that way. He's had enough excitement in his life and enjoys the peaceful atmosphere (except for tourist season) and beautiful surroundings of Chesapeake Bay.

That peace is shaken, however, with the disappearances of two young women from nearby towns, and then shattered when one is found brutally murdered. Beck and his team join the neighboring police forces and start an investigation, but many of them feel they're already over their heads. Then a second corpse turns up, not only in St. Dennis, but on Beck's own property, and the FBI is called in.

Mia Shields has gotten accustomed to the surprise that often greets a female FBI agent, but Chief Beck almost immediately begins to treat her like any other investigator. His help in showing her around town and introducing her to the local residents is invaluable. Unfortunately, as she finds out more about the crimes, Mia begins to think that a monster lurks behind one of the smiling faces in St. Dennis. With a family tragedy in the recent past and the seemingly endless horrors of her job, Mia struggles to keep her own personal monsters at bay as she and Beck race to keep another young woman from a horrible death.

This gripping story of suspense has a truly nasty serial killer and some surprises along the way. Mia's issues with burnout add emotional complexity and make the book more than just another procedural. I also liked the professional relationship between Mia and Beck that gradually became more personal. The scenic location of St. Dennis, with its cheerful shops and small-town atmosphere, made the murders seem that much more twisted. This book may make you wonder the next time you pass through a sleepy little town about just what secrets lurk behind those closed doors...