Hand of Evil / J. A. Jance / 369 pages

In this third book in the Ali Reynolds series, Ali becomes intimately involved in the disappearance of a good friend's daughter.  The daughter had become prey for an internet predator and is witness to a violent beating closely connected to Ali's family.  Ali is asked to read the journal of a town icon whose mother instituted the scholarship that enabled Ali's career.  The dowager holds some awful secrets and is intent upon revenge.  Set in the desert southwest, Hand of Evil evokes empathy for the characters and appreciation for close knot family ties.