A young woman is found buried in the Oklahoma sand dunes - and she's alive. FBI agent Seth Hawkins was just taking some time out on his dirt bike, but now he's involved in something major. Because this girl wasn't the first to be attacked - and the others didn't survive. Recovering, the traumatised girl can't remember her name or what happened, and nobody recognises her. She's given a guest room in the house where Seth is staying with his sister and the investigators hope she'll be able to help them later.

DEADMAN'S BLUFF follows Seth as he marshals the resources available and tries to track down, not just the attacker, but the surviving girl's identity. Because the killer will want to strike another woman, and he may see the one who got away as a threat who could get him caught. Eventually the girl comes up with her name - Tamara. Protecting a material witness is one thing, but Seth finds himself responding to Tamara on a personal basis, despite the fact that he's resigned to doing without romance and the fact that it's inappropriate while working her case. The local media have given the killer the name of the Sandman and everyone in town begins to suspect everyone else.

Carla Cassidy has done a good job of portraying the fragility but resilience of the survivor and the detailed work of investigation. With three cases open for the agent, connections start to build and even family members need to be questioned. We find ourselves guessing, picking favourites, joining the dots. Crime fans will get hold of DEADMAN'S BLUFF and be determined to solve the mystery by themselves.