In this “instantly cinematic and completely compelling” thriller (Hank Phillippi Ryan), Detective Betty has only two weeks to take down her deadliest rivalthis time for good.

The terrific adrenaline punch youd expect for the grand finale of Kathleen Kents Edgar-nominated trilogy. Julia Heaberlin

Things are looking up for Detective Betty Rhyzyk. Shes settled into a happy marriage and been promoted to Sergeant in the Dallas Police Department. But when a hostage stand-off puts her on the phone with legendary cartel leader The Knife, things take a turn. The Knife has heard a rival is making a play for the streets of Dallasnone other than Evangeline Roy. The matriarch of a ruthless cult, Evangeline also happens to hold a personal vendetta against Betty. So who better to draw Evangeline out of hiding? Bettys got two weeks to catch her. Or else.

With Bettys young charge Mary Grace already missinghaving left her seven-month-old baby behind in Bettys careand the drug dealers of Dallas donning strange red wigs and delivering cryptic messages, Bettys in a race for answers. With the clock ticking down, it will take everything shes got to finally put an end to Evangelines reign of terror, and to keep her beloved Dallasand her own familysafe at last.

“I read this book in a compulsive binge . . . Betty Rhyzyk wont soon be forgotten by crime readers.” Sarah Weinman, New York Times Book Review

“Riveting.” The Washington Post

“A police procedural like none youve ever read.” Hank Phillippi Ryan

Detective Betty is one of my favorite queer characters in crime fiction. The Pledge is fiery and propulsive.Kristen Lepionka