Sometimes I think about how odd it would be to catch a glimpse of the future a quick view of events lying in store for us. Some moments we saw would make no sense at all & some I suspect would frighten us beyond our endurance.. . Early spring in the Sierra Nevada bringing the usual driving sleet & snow. PI Kinsey Millhone is on her way west when she detours into Nota Lake (pop. 2356) to check out a new client. & encounters a chill she can scarcely believe. Only six weeks have passed since sheriffs detective Tom Newquist died of a heart attack. His widow is sure he was keeping secrets from her just before he died -- & she hires Kinsey to find out exactly what. But all Kinsey can uncover is that Newquist led an exemplary life so what could he possibly have to conceal? & why has the town to the last threatening redneck closed ranks on her? Kinseys on the point of giving up. Until she discovers a chilling new clue: a childish drawing of a thick length of rope -- fashioned into a hangmans noose.. .I love Sue Graftons Kinsey Millhone novels.. .you are never disappointed Guardian