"An absolute humdinger of a murder mystery . . . unrelenting suspense [and] a close look at the dysfunctions of military justice and of one particular family." —Scott Turow, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of Presumed Innocent A "riveting legal thriller" by the #1 New York Times–bestselling author of Trial ( Publishers Weekly, starred review) The McCarrans and the Gallaghers have been close for decades, ever since Anthony McCarran—now one of the army's most distinguished generals—met Jack Gallagher, a fellow West Pointer later killed in Vietnam. Now a new generation faces combat, and Lt. Brian McCarran, the general's son, has returned from a harrowing tour in Iraq. Traumatized by experiences he will not reveal, Brian depends on his lifelong friendship with Kate Gallagher, who's married to Brian's commanding officer, Capt. Joe D'Abruzzo. But D'Abruzzo also seems changed by the experiences he and Brian shared in Iraq, growing secretive and remote. Tragedy strikes when Brian shoots and kills D'Abruzzo on their Virginia army post. He pleads self-defense. Kate backs him up, saying her husband had turned violent and abusive. But Brian and Kate have their own secrets, and now Capt. Paul Terry, an accomplished young JAG lawyer, must defend Brian in a high-profile court-martial. Before the case is over, Terry will become deeply entwined with the McCarrans—and learn that families, like war, can break the sturdiest of souls. "Powerful . . . Patterson long ago established himself as one of the nation's best writers of serious thrillers, and his latest novel burnishes his reputation." — Richmond Times-Dispatch "Readers will find themselves engrossed as well as pleased by a twist revealing that there's more to this powerful yet seemingly straightforward story than first meets the eye." — Booklist "Patterson's insights into PTSD are fascinating but never interrupt the story's flow to its explosive ending, and his courtroom drama is as intensely engaging as the most action-filled thrillers." — Library Journal (starred review)