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Root Causes is a dramatic murder mystery that begins when Clare’s fiancé, Leo, dies in a tragic car accident. Clare soon discovers that his death, and his life, may not have been what they seem. Caught up in a maelstrom of events and now fleeing for her life, Clare escapes to Leo’s secret, unfinished vineyard. The mystery of Leo’s life grows even darker when two men are murdered and Clare becomes the prime suspect. The quiet and reserved Clare becomes an unlikely heroine as she strives to figure out Leo’s ties to the dead men and why someone now wants her dead. Clare travels to Northern Quebec and Italy, and deep into Leo’s past, to uncover the truth. “Tense and masterfully written, Elaine Kozak ramps up the suspense and keeps the reader riveted from the first page to the final paragraph. Root Causes is a terrific debut novel.” Gail Bowen, author of the Joanne Kilbourn mystery series. “Kozak writes well, skillfully managing characterization, plot and dialogue.” Kirkus Reviews