Fans of Lisa Scottoline will not be disappointed in her latest venture, Come Home. This absorbing novel centers on Jill Farrow, a divorced pediatrician in suburban Philadelphia who has a daughter and a new fiancé. Through her former stepdaughter, Abby, Jill learns that her ex-husband, William, has died from a prescription drug overdose. Even though the police don't agree, Abby feels that William's death is suspicious and enlists Jill's help in digging for the truth. Despite her fiancé's protests and the bitter warnings of Abby's sister, Victoria, to stay out of it, Jill embarks upon an investigation that uncovers surprising and alarming information about her former husband.

Scottoline is that rare mystery writer who consistently and skillfully weaves complex emotional issues into the action. Indeed, in this book, underlying all of Jill's decisions to get involved are the questions: Does maternal love ever end? What constitutes a family? The complicated family ties in Come Home reflect many modern-day families, with fractured relationships and stepchildren thrown into the mix.

Scottoline writes in a conversational style in which the reader can almost hear the dialogue being spoken. The characters are both likeable and redeemable, and the reader finds herself rooting for Jill as she treads uncertain waters in her attempts to uncover the truth and restructure her family. Taut, fastpaced, and absorbing, Scottoline delivers another winner.