After seven years and one spectacular financial faceplant, Sam Ellison—the prodigal middle daughter—returns home to Lago Tierra, a gated desert paradise where the lawns are lush, the gossip is toxic, and the HOA meetings are deadly serious.
All Sam wants is to lie low in the casita in front of her parents’ house with her loyal pup, Auggie. But when murder hits the neighborhood, she’s pulled into a tangle of secrets, power plays, and family politics. In Lago Tierra, everyone’s hiding something—and Sam’s about to find out that home is where the bodies are buried.
Ch. 1 | The Rules Get Broken
A rainy night turns deadly when rule-bound Peter learns the hard way that some HOA secrets are worth killing for. Order meets chaos in Chapter 1.
Taryn Barnes
Ch. | There Goes the Neighborhood
After seven years away, Sam Ellison returns home to her family’s manicured prison — where secrets, silence, and control are HOA policy.
Taryn Barnes
Ch. 3 | The Weekend Dad
A father-son fishing trip turns nightmarish when a car surfaces from Lake Mead — with secrets that tie back to Lago Tierra’s perfect facade.
Taryn Barnes
Ch. 4 | Dead in the Water
A perfect day for a quadruple homicide.
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Ch. 5 | That Escalated Quickly
Some turf wars don’t need grass to grow.
Taryn Barnes
Ch. 6 | What God Built, Man Branded
Not all churches are God’s idea.
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Ch. 7 | HOA’d and Abused
When HOA threats meet golf carts and cocaine.
Taryn Barnes
Ch. 8 | God’s Favorite Groundskeeper
He’s not bitter—he’s blessed.
Taryn Barnes
Ch. 9 | The HOA Must Go On
A little murder won’t stop the campaign.
Taryn Barnes
Ch. 10 | Citiots Welcome
Some homes hide more than secrets.
Taryn Barnes
Ch. 11 |Tea, Trauma, and the Stoop Gestapo
Every friendship starts with a little gossip.
Taryn Barnes
Ch. 12 | Vanity, Thy Name Is Lynn
Some affairs don’t stay discreet.
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Ch. 13 | White Lies and Linen Cults
Some parties reveal more than secrets.
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Ch. 14 | Blessed, Branded, and Becoming Dangerous
You can only fake the light for so long.
Taryn Barnes
Ch. 15 | Clean Hands, Dirty Empire
Turns out the help takes notes.
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Ch. 16 | The Quiet Ones Make the Moves
Control doesn’t look like power—until it’s too late.
Taryn Barnes
Ch. 17 | Retirement Has Its Perks
Until death becomes one of them.
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Ch. 18 | Espresso Yourself
Some friendships begin with coffee and confession.
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Ch. 19 | The Shepherd and the Snake
When wolves tithe, discernment kicks in.
Taryn Barnes
Ch. 20 | Of Bellinis and Betrayals
Some drinks go down smoother than the truth.
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Ch. 21 | Where the Bodies Are Buried
Some neighbors leave more than pets behind.
Taryn Barnes
Ch. 22 | The Beige Rebellion
Perfect families don’t murder themselves.
Taryn Barnes
Ch. 23 | A Cat, A Corpse, and a Cup of Coffee
Sometimes it takes espresso to process murder.
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Ch. 24 | The Toast of Tyrants
When power pops, someone bleeds.
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Ch. 25 | Death Will Do
Some prayers aren’t meant for heaven.
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Ch. 26 | Creamed Spinach and Other Signs
Some people carry light. Others carry a mirror.
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Ch. 27 | The House Always Wins
Unless you move into the casita.
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Ch. 28 | The Dusty Dad Club
Membership requires trauma and a sense of humor.
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Ch. 29 | The Man Behind the Gate
Some security systems are more dangerous than the threats they guard against.
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Ch. 30 | Wolves in Workout Gear
Some predators peddle scripture. Others wear matching sets.
Taryn Barnes