An Iron Fist, Two Harbors

Deidre experiences what all parents dread: the disappearance of one of her children. A number of suspects emerge, including a convicted sex offender, an out-of-place vagabond, a rapist, and even a wife abuser. One by one, the usual suspects are crossed off the list of those who might be responsible, until Deidre receives a call from the Minneapolis police. Her child is in custody, being held for her own safety, and will be released into Deidre's custody as soon as arrangements are made. The girl in custody possesses her daughter's purse, ID, and debit card. However, she has changed almost to the point of being unrecognizable. Deidre's family is rocked by what is happening, and struggle with coping so they can go on with life.

Author Dennis Herschbach selects the topics for his mystery novels from accounts of societal problems and places them in the setting of a small, northern Minnesota community. Through his novels, he raises the reader’s awareness to issues that sometimes fly under our social radar. This is the fifth book in the Two Harbors mystery series.