Logan (Davisson)

In Shattered, the first book in the original mystery series and stunning fiction debut with which Valerie Davisson lets us crave for more, Logan McKenna loses her husband, her illusions, the company they built together, her music, and now, probably her job. But that won't stop her from digging into a murder investigation that keeps Southern California's tight-knit artist community on its toes and law enforcement cluelessly guessing.

Critical choices made in the drama and chaos of the last days of the Vietnam War reach across the Pacific to modern-day Portland, Oregon, threatening to destroy the lives of those who managed to cheat death in 1975. When a violent explosion takes a woman's life just steps away from Logan McKenna's downtown hotel, the police suspect all the wrong people, including a homeless vet and two of Logan's new friends; but are any of them completely innocent?

It's summer and with a new job, a new love, and plenty of time for her music, life couldn't be better. Logan and her daughter, Amy who is home from Africa, even rescue an orphaned sea otter pup and help nurse it back to health at the Southern Sea Otter Center. But powerful storm clouds soon swirl around the center and threaten the lives of all who touch it. More than one person lays claim to the property. Each wants it badly, and for very different reasons. With no resolution in sight, death soon dominates the calendar.

Viciously attacked by an unknown assailant, Logan's new neighbor, a young mother, clings to life in the ICU, her three-year-old daughter the only witness to the attack. Logan soon discovers her friend isn't who she said she was. Without any ID, the police investigation stalls. Logan holds the only clue, but has no idea what it means or how dangerous it is. That's never stopped her before, but this time her drive to uncover the truth draws the killer towards her. Before she realizes the danger, Logan's in so deep, she may never be able to claw her way out.

During the first vacation she's taken in years, Logan looks forward to sharing the beauty of the Oregon coast with Ben and her family. They quickly immerse themselves in summer fun - ocean walks, caramel corn by the fire, a visit to the aquarium, a charter boat fishing trip, and to top it all off, tickets for Logan and Ben to an amazing, intimate classical music concert featuring a pair of visiting musicians from China.