Even as she continues her Tess Monaghan series, Laura Lippman has also penned short stories showcasing her gift for creating believable characters and generating suspense. In the title story, Monaghan keeps a watchful eye on a criminally resourceful single father, while her mother, Judith, realizes that the life of "The Everyday Housewife" is an excellent cover for all kinds of secrets. Also included here are seven other brilliantly crafted stories of deception, murder, dangerous games, and love gone wrong.