In Alpine, WashingtonMary Daheims cozy hamlet in the Cascade Mountainsmystery fans can meet folks whose colorful quirks and welcoming manner make the town feel like home. Alpines bastion of bylines, Emma Lords weekly newspaper, The Alpine Advocate, is the current that drives the rumor mill of small-town life . . . and occasional death. But even the eagerly anticipated Advocate isnt immune to the perils of the outside world.THE ALPINE TRAITOREmma Lord is shocked to hear the outrageous news: The Advocate is embroiled in a takeover bid. Worse, the ruthless acquisitioners are the heirs of Emmas longtime and tragically departed lover, Tom Cavanaugh. They have come to Alpineto stay. Soon, battle lines are drawn and war is declared. Then the first casualty is discovered facedown 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 livingone that involves the glamorous Ginger Roth, a bodacious Alpine newbie who can perform the dumb blonde act in her sleep. Emmas ever-inquisitiv a bullet, Emma and the rest of the e 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 takeAlpiners make it their mission to find a killer.Mary Daheims newest Alpine thriller throws an intriguing wrench into Emmas domain, delighting fans with a generous helping of just desertsin a town where secrets are everybodys business.From the Hardcover edition.