Sometimes, things aren't what they seem. And sometimes, they are.

Times have changed for gay people, and when prosecutor Toni Barston hears about the death of a local lesbian bartender, she doesn't immediately think, "Hate crime." But it is. Even then, to assume that the murderer is a crazed religious fanatic would be a cliché. Except that's where preliminary evidence leads her. In fact, suspects are depressingly plentiful.

Looking for deeper answers and better clues, Toni draws on her knowledge of mental illness to build a profile of a killer who uses stoning to finish off each victim. Following the delusions of a sick mind has Toni and her police force friends turning in circles. When the trail twists back on them, suddenly nothing is what it seems--and everything is far worse than Toni could have imagined.

A former psychotherapist working with personality disorders, attorney Terri Breneman brings an unparalleled expertise to this fast-paced, gripping series where the biggest mystery is the human mind.

At first it seemed like Toni Barston's lucky day.

During a routine interview with a murder suspect, prosecuting attorney Toni Barston stumbles onto a fabulous lead into an organized crime operation. Drugs, black marketeering and more--the opportunity to break the criminal enterprise once and for all is suddenly in Toni's capable hands.

Even after her car is torched as a warning, Toni is determined to bring all the major players, including the crime boss, to justice. But the woman who is now Toni's quarry wants what she wants--and what she wants is Toni. Taking no for an answer isn't in her nature. If she can't have Toni, then nobody can.