A gripping coastal mystery where whodunit meets surfing and cosplay.
When former DC attorney Claire Fontaine stumbles upon a dead surfer during her morning beach run in Caper Cove, she's pulled into a deadly game where fantasy and reality collide. With her father suddenly a murder suspect and her own reputation under attack by a vicious online troll, Claire must navigate the treacherous waters of competitive surfing, cosplay obsession, and small-town secrets.
As bodies pile up during the international surfing festival, Claire discovers that some people will kill to become someone else—while others will die to protect who they really are. From the exclusive Swim and Racquet Club to the hidden cliff paths where lovers meet, everyone has a mask to hide behind. But when the killer strikes again, targeting a beloved cosplay queen, Claire realizes the murderer isn't just eliminating rivals—they're erasing identities.
Racing against time before the festival ends and suspects scatter across the globe, Claire must unmask a killer who's been hiding in plain sight. In a world where transformation is an art form and authenticity can be deadly, she'll learn that the most dangerous monsters are often the ones who look exactly like everyone else.
A gripping coastal mystery where true crime meets pop culture, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie with a modern twist and a hint of romance.
Please note: This ARC is missing two brief moments that will be added to the final version where the protagonist more explicitly acknowledges her privilege in the immigration enforcement storyline.
