Publisher's Weekly
LaPierre ( The Cruel Mother ) takes us on a delightful third visit to the California coastal town of Port Silva, although series regulars Meg Halloran and her spouse, police chief Vince Gutierrez, make only cameo appearances. The focus is on single mother Charlotte Birdsong and her son Petey, whose house is one of several properties that Cynthia Leino, a former town resident, wants to buy up for development. An underground environmental group agitates against the development, and Charlotte begins to suspect that her son is taking part in their effort. Town police (including Charlotte's tenant and confidant Val Kuisma) are already puzzled by the disappearance of Edward Boylan, another developer, when the sleazy lawyer acting for Mrs. Leino also vanishes. This seductive tale rapidly engages the reader with the Birdsongs, Val and a raft of other interesting characters. The subplot involving the environmental commandos and the missing Boylan provides an intriguing (and wonderfully resolved) second story line, adding depth to a very enjoyable read. Paperback rights to Worldwide Library.

Library Journal
A bit more suspense arises when stolid, piano-teaching Charlotte Birdsong and teenaged son Petey--content with their old Finnish-built house on the northern California coast--battle an unscrupulous lawyer whose client wants to develop the area. With neighbors divided as to whether or not to sell, tensions build, fueled by the presence of some temporarily housed homeless, several questionable drifters, and threats by an anti-growth group called RIP. Arson, missing persons, assault, and murder all contribute excitement. A mite overlong, but a good treatment of the subject.

Genre: Mystery