Archivist Claire Reynier may have a priceless find on her hands. A woman named Isabel Santos has discovered a faded document hidden for hundreds of years under the floor of her family's adobe house. It could be the controversial last words of a Jewish mystic condemned to death by the Inquisition in Mexico City. But before Claire can establish the document's authenticity, it disappears, and tragedy visits the Santos family. As Claire searches for the missing paper, she fears that uncovering the history of a dark and dangerous time may bolster her career-at the cost of her life.

Judith Van Gieson is the author of a children's book, a collection of poetry and short stories, and more than a dozen mystery novels. The Lies That Bind was a finalist for the Shamus Award for best detective novel, and both of her mystery series have been regional and IMBA bestsellers. AudiobookStore.com recently cited her as one of their most popular audiobook authors. Judith lives in Albuquerque's North Valley.