The Alpine traitor

ISBN: 034546818X (hardcover : alk. paper)
ISBN: 9780345468185 (hardcover : alk. paper)
ISBN: 9780345468208 (pbk.)
Physical Description: print 337 p. ; 22 cm.
Edition: 1st ed.
Publisher: New York : Ballantine Books, c2008.

Summary: Emma Lord is shocked to hear the outrageous news: The Advocate is embroiled in a takeover bid. Worse, the ruthless acquisitioners are the heirs of Emma's longtime and tragically departed lover, Tom Cavanaugh. They have come to Alpine -- to stay. Soon, battle lines are drawn and war is declared. Then the first casualty is discovered face-down at the Tall Timber Motel. The victim is Dylan Platte, front man for the buy-out offer Emma turned down cold. Naturally, Emma is a prime suspect. Then it turns out that the dead man has a big surprise for the living -- one that involves the glamorous Ginger Roth, a bodacious Alpine newbie who can perform the dumb blonde act in her sleep. Emma's ever- inquisitive House & Home editor, Vida Runkel, plumbs her extensive grapevine, from the Burger Barn to the Venison Inn, determined to connect the dots. But when an Advocate insider is next to take a bullet, Emma and the rest of the Alpiners make it their mission to find a killer.