Homosexuality—its religious, social and political implications—is the backdrop for "Cast the First Stone," the fifth book in James Paavola's "Murder In Memphis" series. Three gay men have been murdered. A video of Memphis police officers beating a gay man goes viral. The City Council passionately debates the inclusion of homosexuals under the city's non-discrimination ordinance. Demonstrators rally outside City Hall, prominent among them are uniformed Neo-Nazis and robed Ku Klux Klansmen. Emotions run hot. A fourth gay man is found dead. Retaliation from the LGBT community feels imminent. Memphis Police Lieutenant Julia Todd's team works to solve all four homicides before there is a fifth.