A reverend haunted by grief.

A killer obsessed with patterns.

A mystery that refuses to stay buried.

Cici Gurule returns to Santa Fe, hoping to find peace after her twin sister's unsolved murder. But when another body surfaces-killed in the same ritualistic way-her nightmare reignites.

Driven by justice and guided by her sister's ghostly whispers, Cici teams up with Detective Sam Chastain. Their search leads through mountain trails and twisted clues, revealing a killer who's just getting started.

A gripping, atmospheric mystery that blends spiritual suspense with relentless pacing-perfect for fans of Tana French, Louise Penny, and Nevada Barr.

TIMELESS PRAISE FOR J.J. Cagney

"A wholly absorbing gumshoe tale elevated by an extraordinary detective." -Kirkus Reviews

"Vivid, alluring, and heart-wrenching... every reason I love mystery." -New York Times Bestseller Darynda Jones

"Written in a clear, distinct style, Padgett uses the prose to elicit tension and emotion and creates a tense, fast-paced story." -The BookLife Prize

"An edge-of-my-seat thrill ride that kept me guessing all the way through." - USA Today Bestseller Allyson Lindt

"The prose is...sublimely concise." -Kirkus Reviews

"I'm pretty giddy that this will be a series! It's packed with a good mystery and the cat and mouse makes it hard to put down." -Next Book Review

"An exhilarating entry in a thoroughly enjoyable series." -Kirkus Reviews