Talbot is accused of the murder. The deputy DA (who was responsible for that mistrial) presents circumstantial evidence against Talbot who had been harassing his ex-wife long after their divorce. During the trial last minute developments cause unexpected twists in the case.

In the meantime Kate, worried about the unexplained absence of her long time lover, Aimee, is involved in tracking down a runaway niece she had never met. She finds that her niece is really now her nephew, a transgender person. In her searches for the significance of all of this, Kate has managed to change from a hard-drinking, hard thinking woman to a softer, more understanding woman.

      The plot is a well-constructed one, taking the reader with Kate and Cameron on their step by step investigation, thus giving the opportunity to solve the puzzle. The treatment of lesbianism and the problems of transgender persons is well handled with sympathy and understanding. The locales of Los Angeles and Hollywood have been well described. The story is well constructed with equally well done courtroom scenes and Kate's first person flashbacks to her closeted lesbian life. A challenging book with many issues to ponder.