Shelby, who has the flu, asks Hannah to represent the firm in court for a case involving radiation contamination on an Indian reservation. Hannah meets some of the Native Indian mothers, who make her aware of the tragic aftereffects suffered by the women and children. She becomes determined to fight for the mothers, not for money, but to expose the lies told to them by tribal leaders. When the judge appoints Hannah as lead counsel for the plaintiffs, Hanna realizes her fragile relationship with Shelby is in jeopardy.

Then Hannah’s newly discovered teen half-sister, Anyua Moore, arrives. The presence of a fourteen-year-old throws a curve into Hannah’s otherwise quiet life. Though Anuya’s mother is from India, they share the same father. Hannah soon realizes they share similar mannerisms and traits which bring them closer together.

Later, Hannah, Anuya and Jerry Dan head for the desert, Hanna waiting for the geologist to finish a survey necessary to her case, while Anuya and Jerry Dan hunt for treasure nearby. On another visit to the desert with Jerry Dan and Anuya, the tires to Hannah’s car are slashed, then several men hunt them down.

Who would want to kill them, and why?

False Fortune is a riveting, fast-paced mystery - one I could not put down. Twist Phelan is a fabulous author who writes about loveable characters and deep family relationships, then instills sufficient suspense to keep her readers hooked until the end - and wanting more.

While this is the fourth book in the series, False Fortune holds its own as an independent and thoroughly enjoyable read - and definitely one I recommend.