In the affluent suburbs of 1960s Los Angeles, David Crown steps into a world of hidden tensions when he marries the widow of his late friend, Hob Cunningham. As he takes the reins of Cunningham Company, David finds himself navigating not just a thriving business, but also the volatile emotions of his new stepson, Ladd. When a shocking accusation threatens to tear apart the community, David must confront the tangled web of relationships surrounding him. With his wife Abby caught between maternal devotion and marital loyalty, and neighbors harboring their own secrets, David struggles to uncover the truth while keeping his new family intact. A gripping exploration of family dynamics, mental health, and the weight of unspoken truths. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Charlotte Armstrong (1905-1969) was an acclaimed American mystery and suspense novelist. Born in Vulcan, Michigan, she began her writing career as a playwright before turning to fiction in the 1940s. Armstrong quickly established herself as a master of psychological suspense, crafting intricate plots and complex characters that earned her critical acclaim and a devoted readership. Over her career, Armstrong published nearly 30 novels and won the Edgar Award for Best Novel in 1957 for A Dram of Poison . Her work often explored themes of family dynamics, hidden motivations, and the darkness lurking beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives. Armstrong's keen insight into human nature and her ability to build tension through everyday situations made her a standout in the genre.