Maureen Cooper values her quiet life in the small Southern town that has been her family's home for generations. Her work as a ghost-writer for celebrities allows her to work from her large, Victorian house. But when her ex-husband Troy is found dead under a massive armoire in the antique store he and his father maintained as an excuse for their hoarding, distressing complexities mount. Who broke into the store and searched through the armoire and related pieces? How does Troy's current love interest fit in? What about his high school sweetheart who returns from a prison sentence, and who fathered her son? Will Maureen's involvement with a local police lieutenant give her an advantage in discovering the truth, or will he betray her to protect a crooked cop?Praise for the mysteries of Albert A. Bell, Jr.Second in the Pliny series, The Blood of Caesar, was named a Best Mystery of 2008 by Library Journal.Outstandingly researched and laden with suspense, ... one of the masterpieces of the historical mystery genre. Highly recommended for all collections. -Jo Ann Vicarel, Library Journal, Starred ReviewHits the ground running ... a clever and highly readable whodunit. -Kirkus Review (Fortune's Fool)Superbly crafted, wonderfully written murder mystery ... a thrilling detective story meticulously back-grounded with accurate historical detail. -Midwest Book ReviewWonderful historical mystery -Bob Spear, Heartland Reviews: Five HeartsColorful characters, both fictional and historical, ... reveal the sordid web of money, greed and ruthlessness hidden behind the facade of civilization.-Suzanne Crane, The Historical Novels Revie