Justice is overdue in the coastal town of Twisted Cedars where two unsolved mysteries lay buried in the past.

Over thirty years ago a series of murders targeting Oregon librarians was never solved. Now someone with inside knowledge is feeding clues to true crime writer Dougal Lachlan, promising him the best story of his career. Pursuing the leads means returning to Twisted Cedars, where his sister Jamie is about to marry a man he deeply dislikes.

Local Twisted Cedars librarian Charlotte Hammond prefers her mysteries—and her romances—between the covers of a good book, especially since the disappearance of her older sister, Daisy, eight years ago. But then the dark and tortured soul who is Dougal Lachlan walks into the Twisted Cedars Library asking for her help.

Before long Charlotte realizes there is no safe zone. Not even in libraries...and especially not in Twisted Cedars.


“One of my favorite elements of Carmichael’s books is her gripping portrayal of family dynamics.” Kathy Altman, USA Today

“Carmichael’s dialogue sparkles…” Romantic Times Reviews

“When I tally up the books I’ve read at the end of the year this book will stick out on the keeper shelf…” Debbie K. Gilbert, Amazon, on The Fourth Child

“C.J. Carmichael’s The Dad Next Door is remarkably well written. Her characters have depth…and her depiction of their emotions is spot-on…” Romantic Times

“Really good book with great characters....I didn’t want to put it down-“ Ladyacct, Goodreads, on The Fourth Child