Esteban Fernandez died inside the day his mother and brother died. Now, his only goal in life is to catch the scum that peddle the drugs that killed his brother. With his stepfather in prison, Esteban has no one to care for. When his undercover identity is exposed, he is pulled into the homicide squad.

His reluctance to leave undercover work even after his identity is discovered, is a sure sign to Brian Cavanaugh that someone needs to take a hand in Esteban's life.

Kari Cavelli- Cavanaugh was thrilled to learn of her connection to the Cavanaugh family and has participated in all of the Cavelli and Cavanaugh family gatherings. When the Chief introduces her to her new partner, Kari is convinced that she remembers him from high school. Not only does she remember him vividly, Kari remembers the crush she had on him back then.

Now, Kari has to convince him that having a partner isn't a bad thing; but she needs to convince him to forgive himself so he can move forward. When their first case becomes two and then three, Kari and Esteban will have to struggle to find the reason that so many people are being murdered.

Ms. Ferrarella brings us back to the world of the Cavanuagh family with another tersely written murder investigation. It was as fascinating to watch the investigation unfold as it was to watch the fireworks between Kari and Esteban. It was heart wrenching to see the despair Esteban lived. Watching Kari bring him back to the awareness that he had much to live for was cheering. CAVANAUGH ON DUTY worked for me as both a mystery and a romance.