CJ Hand fled from the central United States to picturesque western Washington to escape a haunting image. In the land of the tall trees and towering mountains, he encounters criminal minds that affect his marriage and family life. The high-pressure job leads to an ugly divorce and loss of his wife and daughter back to the central U.S.

To compound his problems, CJ wrestles with the fatal shooting of a suspect during a criminal investigation. His anger rages internally, and increased alcohol consumption begins to cloud his thinking. When all seems hopeless, he takes a phone call from a longtime friend seeking his help. The friend wants CJ to investigate the drowning death of his son because he feels it is not an accident.

CJ takes this opportunity to return to the Nebraska prairie where he once thrived. He can help a friend and build a new life. He envisions a calm and unobtrusive investigation where he can relax and enjoy the rural solitude. His assistance might bring peace to that small family, and help bring a new focus on something other than himself.

Deadly circles of deceit and political greed begin to unravel from his probing. As he exposes the criminal plan, CJ discovers another death and actions that could damage the physical and biological balance of the rural landscape.

Finally, he discovers what caused him to long ago flee Nebraska for the West Coast.

Deadly Circles is the first novel in the CJ Hand series involving the former criminal investigator a woman who captures his heart. Through the ensuing four books, they both encounter life's challenges and criminal acts that threaten their passionate relationship.