Title: Blood's burden
Description: Psychotherapist Cassidy McCabe and her husband Zach Moran are in the midst of a party when Zach's college-aged son calls in a panic, imploring them to come to his Chicago townhouse. Upon arrival, they find Bryce in a state of shock and his live-in girlfriend Kit with a bullet in her forehead.

Zach, an investigative reporter, quickly discovers there is no forced entry, and pokes around her e-mail to learn Kit was involved with at least two other men besides Bryce. The police take Bryce in, and within 24 hours an autopsy reveals that Kit was pregnant. Bryce is charged with murder.

Zach, in his typical take-charge fashion, tries to direct the investigation, but Bryce thwarts him at every turn, resulting in a power struggle between father and son. And it doesn't help that Zach harbors fears that his son may actually be guilty.

Cass, convinced of the boy's innocence, is furious with her husband and sets out to prove Bryce's innocence. And with an attempted car bombing of Bryce's car, it suddenly becomes painfully clear that Kit wasn't the only target.

Alex Matthews is a clinical social worker who enjoys writing psychological mysteries, but has not the urge to live the life of the great Cassidy McCabe. Alex lives with her husband and private-practice partner in Illinois. Check out her website for more author and book information, "www.alexmatthews.com,"
Subjects: Fiction, Women psychotherapists, Cassidy McCabe (Fictitious character), Stepfamilies, Violence in men
Places: Oak Park (Ill.)