Closer Than You Know

Disaster, Melanie Barrick was once told, is always closer than you know.

It was a lesson she learned the hard way growing up in the constant upheaval of foster care. But now that shes survived into adulthood - with a loving husband, a steady job, and a beautiful baby boy - she thought that turmoil was behind her.

Until the evening she goes to pick up her son from childcare, only to discover hes been removed by Social Services. And no one will say why.

A terrifying scenario for any parent, its doubly so for Melanie, all too aware of the unintended horrors of the system. When she arrives home, her nightmare gets worse - it has been raided by Sheriffs deputies, who have found enough cocaine to send her to prison for years. If Melanie cant prove her innocence, shell lose her son forever. Her case is assigned to Amy Kaye, a no-nonsense assistant Commonwealths attorney. Amys boss wants to make an example out of Melanie, who the local media quickly christens Coke Mom.

But Amys attention continues to be diverted by a cold case no one wants her to pursue: a serial rapist who has avoided detection by wearing a mask and whispering his commands. Over the years, he has victimized dozens of women in the area - including Melanie. Now its this mystery man who could be the key to her salvation. or her ultimate undoing.