Mask of Lies "Trails of Deception Mystery Crime Series"

On her way home from work one evening, Kathleen Talbert notices movement in the woods as she travels up the mountain to the home that she shares with her husband. A passionate animal rescuer, Kathleen decides to stop and investigate, believing that the movement was caused by an animal in distress. When Kathleen makes her way into the woods, she discovers a young girl around twelve-years old, who is bloody and injured. Kathleen attempts to help the girl, but she is frightened and runs from her. As Kathleen tracks the girl, a strange man appears. Kathleen snatches up the girl, and they make their getaway in her car. Kathleen takes the child to her mountaintop home.

Ellie Tal Estate is the name of the mansion that belongs to the family of Kathleen’s husband. Once Kathleen and the girl are safely through the security gate and inside the house, Kathleen calls the chief of police and the doctors from the clinic where she works as a physician’s assistant. After the authorities arrive and the girl has been examined for sexual assault, Kathleen becomes the girl’s temporary guardian until social services can come for the child.

During the ordeal, Kathleen attempts to contact her husband, Tom, without success. When Tom finally calls her, he is distant and rude, completely unlike himself, and tells her he won’t be coming home that night because of a business trip. This call sets off a series of bizarre events that leave Kathleen horribly frightened, as well as mentally and physically ill.

Suspicions and circumstance leave Kathleen no choice but to don the mask of lies and become a woman of deceit. Her plan is to play the part until she can safely escape with the girl. However, things don’t go as planned, and Kathleen’s worst nightmare begins.