Description

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How do you stop a killer who’s already behind bars?

Sacramento Police Detectives John Penley and Paula Newberry are enlisted to investigate a case involving the trafficking of stolen street drugs. But they quickly find it’s more difficult than they first imagined when the crime is being committed by a group of corrupt cops undermining the system.

That’s not the only wrench thrown at Penley and Newberry, however, as Sherman, the leader of the group, is orchestrating murders against those who testified against him. He turns the lens onto Newberry, who begins to receive blame and as the political pressure mounts, it’s clear someone has to pay for the crimes. And it comes down to Newberry or Sherman.

With a plot full of twisty, hairpin runs and heart-pounding action, Jim L’Etoile’s Bury the Past is a riveting follow-up to the first in the Detective Penley mysteries, At What Cost.

About the Author

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James L’Etoile has twenty-nine years of experience in prisons and jails across the country. An experienced Associate Warden, Chief of Institution Operations, Hostage Negotiator and Director of Parole with a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice, L’Etoile draws upon his background to bring his crime fiction to life. He resides in Cameron Park, CA with his wife, Ann-Marie. This is his second Detective Penley mystery.

Praise For…

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Praise for Bury the Past:
"L’Etoile vividly evokes the chaotic license to kill that pervasive official corruption releases."
—Kirkus Reviews

“Hugely entertaining...Shrewdly plotted.”
—Booklist

"Authentic...This is one for fans of Karin Slaughter, especially those who enjoy her Will Trent books."
—IndiePicks Magazine

Praise for At What Cost:
“[A] nail-biting dark thriller...Fans of tough, well-written procedurals in the tradition of Michael Connelly will want to read this series debut.”
—Library Journal

“L’Etoile, who has served as an associate prison warden, keeps the suspense high throughout.”
—Publishers Weekly

“Best suited to nail-biters in search of something to read in a single, breathless sitting.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“The first in this gripping series, At What Cost finds its power in the moral questions and gray areas that it raises, even as it delivers unrelenting suspense and action...At What Cost is a strong debut mystery from a writer confident in his craft.”
—Foreword Reviews

“This is a great debut novel that brings the author’s years of experience with the justice system into a wonderful mystery full of twists and turns...sit back and enjoy the ride.”
—Night Owl Reviews, Top Pick

“A powerful debut with a thriller of a police procedural at its heart. Readers will be waiting for Penley and Newberry’s next case.”
—Auntie M Writes

“At What Cost is a fast-paced thriller with an imaginative plot, lots of heart and a believable hero that kept me reading to the exciting ending.”
—Phillip Margolin, New York Times bestselling author of Violent Crimes

“A superb, hair-raising crime novel. Powerful storytelling, James L’Etoile has done a masterful job.”
—Rick Mofina, international bestselling author of Free Fall

“James L’Etoile demonstrates his descriptive prowess in this beautifully dark crime thriller replete with crackling dialogue and deeply drawn characters. At What Cost is a raw and powerful novel that will have you reading into the wee hours of the morning and leave you craving more.”
—Douglas Corleone, critically-acclaimed author of Robert Ludlum’s The Janson Equation

“Intense, intriguing, intricate, and shot-through with authentic detail, At What Cost is an outstanding thriller!”
—Andrew Grant, critically-acclaimed author of False Positive and the Cooper Devereaux series