A horrifying triple murder in the Minneapolis area seems to be solved when drifter Karl Dahl, with a long record of minor offenses, is arrested. This record, coupled with other evidence linking Dahl to the victims, is important to the prosecution's case. But Judge Carey Moore provokes a public outcry when she rules that Dahl's "prior bad acts" will not be admissible in court. This action sets off a chain of violent events, including an attack on the judge in a parking garage and threats to her life and family. A burnt-out cop, haunted by the murder scene, begins making plans for his own brand of justice in the case. And in the midst of it all, Dahl escapes --a desperate fugitive who'll stop at nothing to get to freedom.

Detectives Sam Kovac and Nikki Liska are assigned to protect Judge Moore while assisting in the manhunt for Dahl. When Kovac discovers Carey's husband is leading a secret life, he begins to wonder if the attack on her was related to the murder trial after all. Meanwhile, bodies begin to turn up as Dahl remains on the loose -- but is he the only killer out there?

This is one of those books that hooks you from the very start and takes you on a roller coaster ride. Liska and Kovac are a great team, and Dahl is a truly creepy character. Hoag is a master at ratcheting up the suspense and keeping readers guessing. There's also a nice relationship that develops between Kovac, Judge Moore and her young daughter that provides some softer moments in what can sometimes be a rather gruesome story. If you're not a fan of Tami Hoag yet, I think you will be after reading this book. If you're already a fan, you won't be disappointed.