"In this riveting high-stakes novel, Jane Hawk tracks the powerful DOJ operative at the center of the murderous conspiracy that killed her husband, a decorated Marine, and now threatens others closest to her. Dark, ingenious, utterly relentless, the Jane Hawk thrillers are Dean Koontz at his celebrated best, a brilliant, deeply affecting synthesis of his singular gifts for heart-stopping suspense, unparalleled characterization and atmosphere, and twisting, chillingly topical storylines--all driven by an unforgettable, take-no-prisoners heroine"-- Jane Hawk knows she may be living on borrowed time. Battling the strange epidemic of murder-suicides that claimed her husband, and is escalating across the country, has made the rogue FBI agent a wanted fugitive, relentlessly hunted not only by the government but by the secret cabal behind the plot. Jane's enemies are determined to see her dead. or make her wish she was. They can't stop her from drawing a bead on her prey: a cunning man with connections in high places, a twisted soul of unspeakable depths with an army of professional killers on call. But nothing can prepare her for the chilling truth that awaits when she descends the crooked staircase to the dark and dreadful place where her long nightmare was born. -- adapted from jacket Provided by publisher.

Sequel to: The whispering room.