**Professor Ellie Matthews swore she would never set foot in another crime scene-but if she doesn’t find this predator, she and her students will never be safe.** Ellie Matthews’ life changed the day she discovered that the brutally dismembered Jane Doe she’d been examining for a month was her estranged mother. In one instant her career as a celebrated criminalist was over and her new life as a quiet academic began. But her tentative peace is shattered when the body of a female student is discovered on college property and a close colleague is named the key suspect. Ellie watches in disbelief as evidence begins to pile up against her good-natured friend and whispers of salacious affairs and toxic secrets spread. When the murder investigation takes a terrifying turn, Ellie is compelled to help, reassuring herself that this is just a job-it isn’t personal. But as she races to make sense of the evidence, a predator with everything to lose circles closer, and Ellie is in the crosshairs. **From USA Today bestselling author Caroline Fardig comes a *How to Get Away With Murder-* meets- *CSI* series nominated for multiple best fiction awards. *Bitter Past* is the first in a gripping forensic mystery series that will enthrall fans of Melinda Leigh, Kendra Elliot, and Lisa Regan.** * * * **Praise for Caroline Fardig and the Ellie Matthews series:** *…a favorite thrill ride.* **-Kings River Life Magazine** *…strongly recommend…* **-The Nerdy Girl Express** *…descriptions and details about forensics…* **-Collectors of Book Boyfriends and Girlfriends** *…enjoyed it enough to stay up far too late reading it!* **-The MOMinars** *Anyone looking for a good book in the crime/mystery genre should look no further than here.* **-Philly Review** *Ms. Fardig made all the dirty details of collection, processing and assessment of evidence so enjoyable.* **-Next Book in Your Hand** * * * **What readers are saying:** • …felt like CSI… • …great forensics… • …awesome crime story! • I did not see that ending coming. • …the best thriller that I have read in a long time.