Book excerpt: When private detective Johnny Liddell arrives in the resort town of Waterville, he's expecting a simple case. But the mysterious death of his client, Nancy Hayes, quickly draws him into a dangerous web of secrets. As Johnny digs deeper, he uncovers a counterfeiting ring with ties to the town's corrupt underworld. Navigating treacherous alliances and dodging attempts on his life, Johnny realizes there's more to Nancy's death than meets the eye. With the help of the alluring singer Lorna Matthews and the town's only honest cop, Johnny must outwit ruthless mobsters and crooked officials to unravel the truth.