Realm of Darkness — Cynthia Danielewski

Mark Tanner took the job of Police Chief in sleepy New Smyrna Beach, Florida looking for a change from his hectic big-city job and to recover from the death of his wife. Life was going well, he had befriended his neighbor, Brooke Jennings who was recovering from being jilted by her fiance. Together they found comfort in each other's company.

On one of their early morning beach strolls, they discover the body of Brooke's former fiancé washed up on shore and their worlds fall apart. Brooke is devastated and acts the part. But as Mark delves into the crime, more and more evidence points in her direction.

As Brooke becomes the prime suspect in the murder investigation the rift between them grows. Resenting his lack of trust Brooke begins to pull away and acts suspiciously. Mark is torn between his loyalty to his friend and pursuing the clue that lead to Brooke. To make matters worse, Mark has always relied on his instincts, but they are telling him she is innocent.

Determined to find the killer and get to the bottom of the dark mystery behind the murdered man and his connection to Brooke, Mark uses everything in his power, including bringing in outsiders to turn this quiet town inside out.