Award-winning author Lauren E. Rico’s intense psychological thriller plumbs the depths of trauma and identity in an emotional story about twin sisters set against the murky backdrop of the Everglades.

Dr. Jennifer Flores swore she’d never return to Miami—not after her mentor nearly destroyed her career and reputation to save his own. But when he asks the successful psychiatrist to consult on a high-profile case, she reluctantly agrees. This case echoes Jenn’s own twin-related trauma, and no one is better suited for the job.

Separated at birth, identical twins Mary Langston and Samantha Kinski met by chance in college five years ago. Today, they were found deep in the Florida Everglades, one barely alive and the other deceased. Jenn’s evaluation of survivor Mary’s mental status reveals more of the sisters’ extraordinary backstory. They experienced two vastly different childhoods: While adopted Mary thrived in the lap of luxury, Sam faltered in the brutal foster system.

As Jenn digs deeper into the twins’ turbulent bond, a dark picture emerges. Psychological manipulation. Family secrets. Mistaken identity. And as she gets closer to uncovering the truth, she finally confronts her own devastating loss.

© 2026 by Lauren E. Rico. ℗ 2026 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.