SHE'S A TOUGH CRIME REPORTER IN A LEAGUE OF HEAVY HITTERS. BUT THAT'S OKAY? SHE KNOWS HOW TO PLAY HARDBALL ...

Jessica James has a nose for a good story, but she isn't sure how much she likes the story she's getting from her mother's charming, handsome new beau with the improbable name of Charlie Browne. Especially since the tale is attached to the Hare?a stolen painting that is now hidden under Jesse's own bed.

Jesse's investigation into Charlie's background turns up a hole big enough to smuggle the Mona Lisa through, which has her worried about her romantic, not-altogether-practical mom. And for good reason?in a few short days, Kate James has gotten herself entangled in art theft, bashed over the head by a burglar, and involved in a tête-à-tête with a murderer.

Now Jesse must crack a stolen art ring and solve two murders?one forty years old and one all too recent?before the killer paints another masterpiece in scarlet.