Available May 2025

When Madeline’s event manager comes down with strep throat the day before two weekend events up in the Santa Ynez Valley, Madeline has no choice but to step into a role she had stepped away from years ago. Though she’s not excited about the prospect of having to take Lauren’s place, both events prove to be anything but boring. And what she observes becomes worthy of two unofficial cases, which she delves into between events.

Prior to the drive up to hotel in the Valley, MDPI picks up a background check on a woman who showed up at the client’s father’s front door claiming to be his daughter. The new development is especially concerning for Lisa Danville because her dad was recently diagnosed with early-stage dementia. Since Henry Danville is a widower and very well-off, Lisa’s concerns are justified.

Though both Current Affairs events and the newest MDPI case seem pretty straightforward, Madeline and Mike soon discover how devious and life-threatening they really are. To add more angst to the mix, news of Madeline’s jailbird ex-husband’s latest exploits sets off a chain reaction with surprising results.