The Broken Promise Land — Marcia Muller

Ricky Savage is Sharon McCone's brother-in-law, and the hottest country singer in the business. He's on top professionally, but hitting rock bottom in his personal life. His longtime marriage to Sharon's sister Charlene is breaking up, forcing him to question if it was all worth it: the struggle, hard times, and hopes of stardom that finally came true. Even worse, Ricky has been getting anonymous letters threatening not only himself, but also his children.

It's a tough case for McCone because her own family is at risk. She can bring in the security firm in which her lover Hy Ripinsky holds an interest to protect Ricky as he begins a promotional tour for his forthcoming album. But unless Ricky lets her into his past and the secrets hidden there, she doesn't have a chance at uncovering the roots of the sick obsession behind the threats.

Despite McCone's precautions, she soon discovers the stalker is very close at hand, upping the ante of terror with clear warnings that he or she can strike anytime -- and plans to. Ricky isn't helping either as his marriage crumbles and he turns to another lover, who will complicate his emotional state and McCone's investigation. Now dirty tricks are putting Ricky's career, as well as his life, in jeopardy...and his next Grammy-winning song about shattered hearts and broken promises may be his last.