Lorna Temple never forgot that horrible night when her best friend, Melinda Eagan, disappeared. Suspicion fell upon Melinda's brother, Jason, until he went missing. Now, more than 20 years later, Lorna is coming home to Callen, Pennsylvania, to spread her mother's ashes and sell the family home. Shortly after her arrival, the mystery of what happened to Jason is solved when his bones are discovered. Billie Eagan, Jason's mother, is arrested for his murder.

Lorna believes in Billie's innocence and hires private investigator T.J. Dawson to prove not only that she didn't kill her son, but also to find out what happened to Melinda. When more bodies are discovered, Billie is off the hook for the moment and the FBI steps in. It looks like the work of a serial killer, an idea that sends shock waves through the sleepy rural community.

Lorna and T.J. begin questioning those involved with the search for Melinda and any person who last saw Jason on the night he disappeared. Recollections of both of the events differ greatly, which means someone is lying -- but who? Finally, hard evidence is found and an arrest is made. But is the crime really solved?

HARD TRUTH is the second installment in Stewart's Truth series. It's a heart-pounding thriller that will send chills down your spine. The plot twists keep you guessing about who the killer is and what really happened to Melinda. I'm looking forward to reading the next books, DARK TRUTH and FINAL TRUTH, with great anticipation.