A Simple Murder

Kyle Peterson, the owner of a strip club in Frankfort, Kentucky, is gunned down in his home. The obvious suspect? His 19-year-old girl friend, Gloria DeMarco. To Sarah Conger, her court appointed lawyer, it initially looks like a plea bargain is her only hope of saving Gloria from the electric chair. But the case quickly takes an unexpected turn when an anonymous source begins sending her clues that point to Peterson’s involvement in a plot to blackmail one of the state’s leading politicians. Is the murder related to the blackmail? Sarah is convinced of it, and so are many of the state’s leading lawmakers – and a few of them will do almost anything to make sure Sarah’s investigation doesn’t dig too deep.



As sheriff of Frankfort County, Dwight Quinn has investigated his share of crime and, in his opinion, the case against Gloria doesn’t add up. The deeper he looks into the matter, the more he believes that Gloria is probably innocent. But as time goes by, he finds himself wondering which he finds more interesting – Gloria’s case, or Gloria’s lawyer.



Garrett Quinn, Dwight’s brother, always knew he was a long shot candidate in his race for governor. But only a handful of people knew he’d already taken steps to dramatically improve the odds. And Peterson’s death? That just might work to his advantage.



As Sarah’s investigation heats up, so does the battle in the race for governor. Then, an unexpected leak to the press blows both wide open. Accusations of involvement in the blackmail plot suddenly threaten to bring down Garret’s opponent, leaving Dwight’s brother well positioned to win the governor’s mansion and secure the respect he’s always craved. It’s a sure thing, at least until another anonymous tip leads Sarah to the real person behind the blackmail plot.