Circle in the Water

A series of pranks turn deadly in the latest installment in New York Times bestselling author Marcia Muller's gripping Sharon McCone series.

San Francisco is home to more than 200 privately owned streets. Most are alleyways, but a select few look torn straight from the pages of a magazine. Lined with mansions and elaborate gardens, the properties are luxurious and perfectly maintained; security guards patrol the grounds to keep the curious at bay. Few know of these exclusive enclaves, but those who do prowl for availability, ready to make a grab for the precious real estate if opportunity strikes.

When several such streets are targeted in a series of so-called pranks, Sharon is hired by a coalition of concerned owners to investigate. But as things escalate-an attempt on Sharon's life, an explosion at a meth lab, and a shocking murder-Sharon realizes far more is at play than a few misdemeanors gone wrong.

The case takes a sudden turn when one of McCone & Ripinsky's most trusted employees is implicated, and Sharon will have to dig deep to save her agency-and her life.

"[Marcia Muller's] stories crackle like few others on the mystery landscape."--San Francisco Examiner & Chronicle
"Fans of Muller's San Francisco-based PI Sharon McCone (last seen in Ice and Stone, 2021) will be delighted that the hardworking sleuth is back in another action-packed adventure . . . McCone cracks the twist-filled case with her usual skill and persistence, offering a satisfying conclusion to a challenging assignment."--Booklist
"Muller undoubtedly remains one of today's best mystery writers."--Associated Press
"Muller's McCone set the standard for fictional women detectives; after 35 installments, the detective's character has not diminished but continues to evolve and grow and meet all challenges head on. A must-read for Sharon McCone fans; the series should also be explored by any fan of strong women detectives." --Library Journal (Starred Review on Ice and Stone)
"One of the world's premier mystery writers."--Cleveland Plain Dealer
"Well-paced...Tough, tenacious, self-reliant, and empathetic, McCone is fiercely loyal to her friends and family. As always, it's a pleasure to watch her in action. Muller does a fine job."--Publishers Weekly (on Ice and Stone)
"Will turn any reader into a nail-biter . . . deftness in writing combined with the lead character's passionate morality and willingness to fight for the underdog are what have made this series successful for its long run . . . delivers a fast, intense, thought-provoking read." --New York Journal of Books (on Ice and Stone)
"Once again, Muller combines a heartfelt . . . investigation with strong elements of a family reunion."--Kirkus

Marcia Muller has written many novels and short stories. She has won six Anthony Awards, a Shamus Award, and is also the recipient of the Private Eye Writers of America's Lifetime Achievement Award as well as the Mystery Writers of America Grand Master Award (their highest accolade). She lives in northern California with her husband, mystery writer Bill Pronzini.

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