This book is set in the late 50's in America, where aparthied was still prevolent. The book is set around a stereotypical American housewife, who seemingly has it all, the big house, children, happy marriage (or was it?). So one afternoon, the maid goes into clean as usual and finds the house quiet, blood on the kitchen floor and the childrfen crying. So she calls the police, only to find that she is promptly arrested, why, for being black of course. This is very well written and I like how the chapters are about the different characters, and what they all were doing, which builds up a good picture of the events leading upto the afternoon Joyce went missing. The lead detective on the case is very methodical and is also keen on stamping out the hatred between black people, so he befriends the maid and they work together to help solve the crime. There are plenty of twists and turns in plot to keep you guessing right till the end.