Smoke Over the Hill

When 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.

At first, the fire appears to be a tragic accident.

But veteran fire investigator Jack Mercer isn't convinced.

As 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.

The 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.

As 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.

Set against the rich backdrop of St. Louis's legendary Hill neighborhood, Smoke over the Hill is a gripping mystery filled with authentic fire investigation, memorable characters, family drama, and unexpected twists. In this fifth installment of The Jack Mercer Files, 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.

Perfect for fans of Michael Connelly, Robert Dugoni, and C.J. Box, Smoke Over the Hill is a compelling mystery about family, legacy, loyalty, and the devastating consequences of secrets left too long in the shadows.