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lisa Black

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Not Who We Expected

The Fourth book in the Locard Institute Series

 Dynamic forensic analysts Ellie Carr and Rachael Davies return in New York Times bestselling author Lisa Black’s latest riveting Locard Institute thriller, as they solve a deadly mystery unfolding in the shadow of a celebrated rock star.


The two crime experts are enlisted by legendary rock star Billy Diamond to find his missing daughter. A level-headed student at Yale, Devon left six months earlier with her boyfriend, Carlos, for a career development retreat in Nevada. Her calls and notes became less frequent until they stopped. Billy wanted to give his daughter space—but after learning Carlos' body was found a few miles upstream from the ranch, he needs answers.
 

Rachael and Ellie hatch a plan—as Ellie goes undercover, Rachael will work with Billy to find out about Devon. But Rachael has a second agenda, to find out why Billy seems so familiar with her late sister Isis, whose little boy Rachael is raising. The music idol is hiding something, but what? 

The southwest ranch is full of surprises.  Devon is not only alive but thriving, and no one mentions Carlos. The attendees follow their leader, Galen, with slavish devotion, and their daily mind-body exercises stretch from brain-numbing to downright treacherous.  If Galen is behind some nefarious scheme, how does it relate to the rock star and his daughter?

To answer those questions, Rachael will also have to ask: Who was her sister Isis, really? The answers will draw Ellie and Rachael deeper into danger. In Billy’s world and in Galen's, the living, the missing, and the dead all have secrets. 

There are many surprises on the way to the big reveal... A familiar tale made fresh by deft plotting and well-planted twists.


Kirkus Reviews

 "This is a one-sitting read!"   -  Jeffery Deaver, about Let Justice Descend. 

"First-rate plotting and a compelling cast of characters." - Kirkus [starred review] of Every Kind of Wicked.

"Black keeps the suspense high throughout." -- Publisher's Weekly, about Suffer the Children

"As always with Black, this psychological suspense is incredible."  --Suspense Magazine, about Perish

"The surprising ending is sure to keep readers coming back for more."  - Booklist, about That Darkness

"She is, quite simply, one of the best storytellers around."   -- Tess Gerritsen, about Trail of Blood

“...a very clever fair-play mystery, with a deeply satisfying ending. ... I’m so looking forward to enjoying more of Ellie and Rachael’s adventures together, and can’t wait to read what Ms. Black writes next."    -- Criminal Element, about Red Flags

"With her first-hand knowledge of forensics added to her skill as a writer, Lisa Black doesn’t miss. Red Flags is a real nail-biter, a can’t-miss thrill ride from start to finish." -- -- Jeff Lindsay, author of Dexter and Riley Wolfe series

“Black packs the novel with fascinating details for crime scene buffs, who will eagerly await the next case for the intrepid CSIs.” -- Publisher's Weekly about Red Flags

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