Twenty years after Anthony Galton disappeared with his wife and a chunk of the family fortune, his dying mother hires detective Lew Archer to find him. What Archer uncovers is a chilling mystery involving a headless skeleton, a cunning con, and a frightened blonde, all pointing to a deadly game of high stakes.

Why You Should Read?

• A gripping tale of poverty, greed, murder, and identity that keeps you guessing.
• Features Lew Archer, a humane and credible hero who redefined detective fiction.
• Praised by literary greats like William Goldman and Eudora Welty for its moral depth.
• Perfect for fans of hardboiled mysteries who appreciate literary complexity.