Allan Lingle, an eccentric but iconic figure in the small town of Peak on the outskirts of Raleigh, North Carolina, was loved by most people and a threat to none. So, why would anyone want to murder him?


Matthew Paine has his quiet life interrupted when Homicide Detective Warren Danbury takes Allan's murder personally and enlists Matthew's help with the investigation. Matthew, a young physician in a family practice in Peak, signed on as a medical consultant with the police department and he always honors his commitments.


After the senseless murder, residents of the small town of Peak don't feel safe and the rumor mill is working overtime. Children in the town, and probably a lot of adults who wouldn't admit it, think that Allan was possibly a specter and the old historic house where he lived is definitely haunted.


Join Matthew and Danbury in Prefer Death, second in the Matthew Paine Mystery series, as they uncover more far-reaching crimes in their attempt to figure out who murdered Allan Lingle and to prevent any further havoc from being wreaked on their beloved town.