Backfire — Janice Law

TORCHED
A high-profile, arson-murder case is not in her usual pro bono line, but Anna Peters is intrigued by the anonymous caller soliciting her aid in clearing Maria Rivas in the death of Helena Skane. Mrs. Skane, invalid wife of wealthy restaurateur Joe Skane, was killed when his showcase home burned to the ground.

Maria, Mrs. Skane's nurse, has been rendered mute since the tragedy by what Anna believes is fear. She also believes that everyone -- from Joe Skane to his handsome son to the servants -- knows more than they're telling.

And soon Anna's following a trail from Washington, D.C., to Tucson that's littered with dirty money, desperation and death....