Dr. Monica Farrell's father Edward was very forthright about the fact that he was adopted. He was fortunate in that he was adopted by fine people but as he got older he seemed driven by his desire to search out information about his biological parents. He spent great amounts of time looking at photos to see if he could determine any resemblance and in fact had mentioned an uncanny resemblance to Alexander Gannon inventor of joint replacements. Gannon's inventions and patents had left his heirs quite wealthy with several years of payments due them. But those same heirs were systematically draining the funds so that even the philanthropic organization formed in Alexander Gannon's name was beginning to hit bottom. Monica was aware of her father's quest and at times wished he had been successful so that she would have family. As it was she was pretty much on her own with no relatives or siblings.

Olivia Morrow knew her health was failing and time was her enemy. She needed more time. Time to do what she should have taken care of years before -- contact Monica Farrell with information of her father's birthright. Olivia's niece, Catherine, had given birth to Edward, out of wedlock just prior to entering a convent and Olivia had proof of who the father was, Alexander Gannon. Well the web was getting more tangled as the day went on with the news that Catherine was being considered for sainthood and her life was going to be under a microscope -- meaning the facts surrounding the birth of Edward was going to be public knowledge. Monica was still in the dark about any connection she had with Catherine other than her own involvement with mortally sick children. But someone was becoming aware of the existence of a direct descendant of Alex and would go to any extreme to see that this news not see the light of day. Lives, reputations and fortunes were at stake.

A seemingly unending labyrinth of relationships that could be difficult to follow but Higgins Clark is a master of keeping the reader on target. With so many bad guys to watch you begin to wonder just who is the real villain of this story. Higgins Clark doesn't go for the insignificant fellow -- her victims are important to the story which is why their demise hits hard. With paths to truth being systematically destroyed the reader begins to wonder if the truth will get out. Read and find out for yourself. Great summer read on the beach. Don't forget your sunscreen. Enjoy.