Patricia Cornwell, the creator of Dr. Kay Scarpetta, now reveals the heart and soul of a metropolitan police department. With Charlotte as her simmering background, she propels us into the core of the force through the lives of a dynamic trio of heroes: Andy Brazil, an ambitious young reporter for 'The Charlotte Observer' and an eager volunteer cop; Police Chief Judy Hammer, the strong yet troubled guardian of Charlotte's law and order; and her deputy chief, Virginia West, a genuine head-turner who is married to her job.