It Started With a Murder. It Didn’t End There.

A murder on the city’s most dangerous street. A killer who never stays still. A case that will change everything.

The streets of Ocean View hide more than crime, they hide forgotten people.

As Michael Tough digs deeper into the case, he crosses paths with Becky Conway, a heroin-addicted prostitute whose connection to the murder is as heartbreaking as it is dangerous. Becky isn’t just a witness. She’s a survivor of a system that failed her long before the first body appeared.

When more young women vanish and bodies begin to surface, Michael uncovers a chilling pattern, one that suggests there may be not one, but two predators hunting the city. Each discovery pulls him deeper into a world of violence, exploitation, corruption, and betrayal, where the line between right and wrong grows thinner by the day.

Why Readers Can’t Put This Book Down

A gritty, realistic crime story rooted in raw human emotion
A complex detective torn between duty and compassion
A vulnerable, unforgettable character who stays with you long after the last page
Rising tension as the body count grows and the danger closes in
Twists that deepen the story without sacrificing realism

What You’ll Experience as a Reader

A relentless investigation that never lets up
A city where danger hides in plain sight
Victims who feel real, not forgotten
Moral dilemmas with no easy answers
A powerful emotional payoff woven into the suspense

Every chapter pulls you deeper into a case where justice comes at a cost.

Who This Book Is Perfect For

Fans of gritty crime thrillers and detective fiction
Readers who enjoy emotionally driven mysteries
Those who appreciate flawed heroes and realistic characters
Anyone drawn to stories about second chances and redemption

The Case That Changes Everything

What starts as a single murder quickly spirals into something far more dangerous.

As Detective Michael Tough follows the trail of evidence, each clue exposes a city that protects its secrets at any cost. The streets grow more hostile. The suspects grow more desperate. And the truth becomes something people are willing to kill for.

This is a case where doing the right thing could cost everything.

Meet Detective Michael Tough

Michael Tough is no stranger to violence, but this case hits differently.

Driven by a strong sense of justice and a refusal to look away from the suffering of others, Michael is forced to confront not only a ruthless killer, but the flaws within the system he serves. As pressure mounts from all sides, he must decide how far he’s willing to go to protect the innocent.

Becky Conway: The Heart of the Story

Becky Conway is easy for the city to ignore, but impossible to forget.

Caught in a brutal cycle of addiction and exploitation since she was a teenager, Becky becomes central to the investigation in ways no one expects. Her story adds raw emotion and humanity to a case defined by cruelty, reminding readers that every victim has a name, a past, and a chance at redemption.

About The Author

Richard Enns is a retired probation officer who spent nearly twenty-two years working with the San Diego County Probation Department. Throughout his career, he gained firsthand insight into the complexities of crime, justice, and the lives affected on both sides of the law—experiences that deeply inform his writing.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in History from North Park College in Chicago and a Master of Divinity from North Park Theological Seminary. His background combines real-world experience with a deep understanding of human behavior, morality, and redemption.

Richard lives in San Diego with his wife and two children, where he continues to write stories shaped by the realities he witnessed and the questions that stayed with him long after retirement.

What Early Readers Are Saying

I found myself slowing down while reading because certain scenes carried emotional weight. Becky’s story, especially, made me angry and sad in equal measure. Her mistrust of authority, her survival instincts, and her moments of vulnerability all felt earned. This book doesn’t treat trauma lightly, and that made it stand out to me.

Billie Walker

Ocean View feels like more than just a backdrop. The corruption, the neglect, and the desperation seep into every scene. The Saber, in particular, is portrayed as a place where danger is normalized, which makes the crimes even more chilling. The setting adds a lot to the realism of the story.

Niyago

What struck me most is how this story humanizes people who are usually reduced to statistics. Becky and the other women are never treated as disposable characters. Reading this made me reflect on how easily society ignores the vulnerable. That’s not something I expect from a mystery novel, but it’s something this one does well.

Niyan