"The characters are vivid; the setting downright tangible. The reader's involvement grows steadily, right up to the absolutely riveting climax. Take a breath at the end because you've probably been holding it..." - Susan T, Verified Purchaser
What happens when the wrong person is convicted and another life is on the line?
A mother's worst nightmare occurs on a sunny Florida beach.
Melanie Troy tells her children to play on the sand while she goes to buy ice cream. Minutes later, Savannah is gone. Carrie Ann, only nine at the time, gives police a clear-eyed description of the kidnapper.
Months later Savannah's remains are discovered on nearby Caspersen Beach. The homeless man who found her, Randy Cousins, hopes to collect the reward money for finding the body. When Detective Lalo Sanchez puts Cousins in a line-up, Carrie Ann did not hesitate to identify him as Savannah's abductor. After four hours of deliberation, the jury unanimously found Cousins guilty. He is sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Twenty years later a deathbed confession of a confused homeless woman brings new light to the case. Recognizing the potential that she got the wrong man, Detective Geri Garibaldi enlists the help of retired lawyer Cate Stokes who joins with Lalo Sanchez to prove the innocence of a man who was wrongfully convicted of murder. The stakes are raised when another child goes missing.
Full of twists and turns that will keep the reader guessing until the last page is turned.
"This book grabbed me from the start and never let up. I really enjoyed reading, and getting to know each of the characters and how all of their stories intertwined. I was not prepared for that ending though..." - Renee C, Verified Purchaser
Fans of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum Novels, Sue Grafton's Kinsey Millhone Novels, Robin James' Cass Leary, and TV's Law and Order will love Janet Heijens' Cate Stokes and her drive to overturn the wrongfully imprisoned...and bring the real killers to justice.
About the Author: Janet Heijens is the author of the Wrongful Conviction Mystery series. Kirkus Reviews describes her heroine Cate Stokes as "equally smart, resourceful and empathetic - and more than worthy of an encore appearance." Her fans say she "Captures the Florida Gulf Coast perfectly" in her books that are filled with "Mystery, murder, human trafficking, bad guys, nice guys, twists and turns... a live-aboard boat (and) a good dog." In her second book, Caspersen Beach, Heijens once again brings together protagonist Cate Stokes and Detective Lalo Sanchez to challenge a flawed justice system. Early readers say, "Heijens' cast of characters and well-paced story take the reader on a wild ride on its way to a satisfying resolution with hope." A founding member of the Sarasota Literary Guild, Heijens is an active member of the Florida Gulf Coast Sisters in Crime. She lives with her husband, Pieter in Sarasota, Florida. You can contact her through her website janetheijens.com or find her on Facebook.