A daughter must decide whose life she will defend when a murder divides the Hmong community of Minneapolis and her father becomes the lead suspect in this gripping novel by the author of The Quiet Librarian.

“Eskens skillfully blends history and mystery with this well-constructed tale of loss and family secrets.” ―Publishers Weekly

His secret … her impossible choice.

Police detective Niki Vang always knew that her father kept secrets. He’d been troubled ever since he immigrated to the United States after surviving the “Secret War” in Laos in the 1970s. So when her father becomes entangled in a murder, Niki lies about her connection in order to work the case. But as the investigation deepens, it becomes clear why her father has worked so hard to keep the past buried. Could his secrets cost the investigation—and her family—everything?

Kim Vang has never spoken about what happened to him in Laos. Fifty years before he’d survived a re-education camp run by a man called only “the demon.” But after the murder of someone very close to him, he’s certain the demon has found them again. When Niki becomes the lead detective on the case, Kim must keep her far from the demon’s reach—even as he seizes his chance to bring an evil man to justice at last.

As the demon hunts, Niki and Kim must race against one another to bring him down, divided by the painful fact that neither can trust the other until they both tell the truth.