{"product_id":"smoke-over-the-hill-gary-ludwig-9798183505801","title":"Smoke Over the Hill","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhen a beloved St. Louis restaurateur dies in a late-night fire, the tragedy shocks The Hill, the city's historic Italian-American neighborhood. Antonio Passerini wasn't just a business owner-he was a friend, mentor, and pillar of the community. Everyone knew Tony. Everyone loved him.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt first, the fire appears to be a tragic accident.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBut veteran fire investigator Jack Mercer isn't convinced.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs Jack examines the burned remains of Passerini's restaurant, subtle clues begin to tell a different story. The fire wasn't the cause of death. It was meant to hide one. Partnering with homicide detective Sarah Delgado, Jack uncovers a web of family conflict, buried secrets, mounting debt, and a bitter struggle over the future of a cherished family legacy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe deeper they dig, the more they discover that Tony's death may be connected to a battle that had been quietly brewing behind the restaurant's doors for years. A multimillion-dollar development deal, a controversial family trust, and a son drowning in financial trouble all point toward a motive. But in a neighborhood where loyalty runs deep and everyone protects their own, finding the truth won't be easy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs evidence mounts and tensions rise, Jack must separate grief from guilt, rumor from fact, and uncover what really happened during the final hours of Tony Passerini's life.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSet against the rich backdrop of St. Louis's legendary Hill neighborhood, \u003ci\u003eSmoke over the Hill\u003c\/i\u003e is a gripping mystery filled with authentic fire investigation, memorable characters, family drama, and unexpected twists. In this fifth installment of \u003ci\u003eThe Jack Mercer Files\u003c\/i\u003e, Jack faces one of his most personal and emotionally challenging cases yet-a case that proves some fires are started to destroy evidence, but the truth always leaves a trail.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePerfect for fans of Michael Connelly, Robert Dugoni, and C.J. Box, \u003ci\u003eSmoke Over the Hill\u003c\/i\u003e is a compelling mystery about family, legacy, loyalty, and the devastating consequences of secrets left too long in the shadows.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e Gary Ludwig\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-13:\u003c\/b\u003e 9798183505801\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Independently Published\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/b\u003e English\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 06\/21\/2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 168\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFormat:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 0.51lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.36d","brand":"Gary Ludwig","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":48874759880959,"sku":"9798183505801","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/www.whiterainbookhouse.com\/products\/smoke-over-the-hill-gary-ludwig-9798183505801","provider":"WR Book House","version":"1.0","type":"link"}