Characters

Marcus O’Riley – A brilliant asphyxiation expert and homicide detective. His speedy ascendance to his position has gained him a positive reputation, but has also made him a target. He tends to play an idealized version of himself rather than actually be himself.

Elle Rivers – A young breakout star who’s trying to get her own script produced. She hides her Southern roots behind an Old Hollywood persona. While she knows the reality of the business that she’s in, she’s afraid to put everything on the line to make the necessary leap forward. She’d rather suffer a thousand small abuses than public humiliation.

Maria – Marcus’s assigned partner for the case. She holds the same title as Marcus, but is 10 years older. She’s great at her job, but doesn’t get the accolades or respect that Marcus does. While they both want the case solved properly, she wholeheartedly disagrees with Marcus’s approach.

Irwin Thalic – A powerhouse manager who represents Elle Rivers. Another of his clients was the first murder victim. Above all, he wants results for his clients, which means that he’s willing to cross lines that others won’t—his greatest strength and weakness.

Naomi – Elle’s assistant, Naomi is contracted through Irwin Thalic’s management company. Naomi has been loyal to Irwin for decades, but, upon witnessing how Elle is treated by her colleagues, is started to shift her perspective. She also believes that the killer is exploiting an unknown connection between Elle Rivers and Marcus O’Riley.