List $29.95

Written by Robert B. Parker - Audio book performed by Joe Mantegna - Unabridged Fiction - 5 COMPACT DISCS - 6 hours

Publisher, Random House Audio (September 2005)

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Lily Ellsworth--erect, firm, white-haired, and stylish--is the grand dame of Dowling, Massachusetts, and possesses an iron will and a bottomless purse. When she hires Spenser to investigate her grandson Jared Clark's alleged involvement in a school shooting, Spenser is led into an inquiry that grows more harrowing at every turn. Though seven people were killed in cold blood, and despite Jared's being named as a co-conspirator by the other shooter, Mrs. Ellsworth is convinced of her grandson's innocence. Jared's parents are resigned to his fate, and the boy himself doesn't seem to care whether he goes to prison for a crime he might not have committed.

As the probe goes on, Spenser finds himself up against a number of roadblocks--from the school officials who don't want him asking questions, to Jared's own parents, who are completely indifferent to the boy's defense. Ultimately, Spenser discovers a web of blackmail and some heavy-duty indiscretions--and a truth too disturbing to contemplate. Before the case reaches its unfortunate end, he is forced to make a series of difficult decisions--with fatal consequences.

About the Author: Robert B. Parker is the author of more than fifty books, including the bestsellers Appaloosa and Cold Service. He lives in Boston.

About the Performer: Joe Mantegna has starred in the feature films House of Games, The Godfather III, Bugsy, Liberty Heights, and Searching for Bobby Fischer. On Broadway, he starred in David Mamet's Speed the Plow and Glengarry Glen Ross, for which he won the Tony Award®. He received Emmy® nominations for his television appearances in The Rat Pack and The Last Don. He starred on the CBS series Joan of Arcadia.