'M' is for Malek Construction, the $40 million company that grew out of modest soil to become one of the big three in California.

'M' is for Malek family: four sons now nearing middle age who stand to inherit a fortune – four men with very different temperaments and needs, linked only by blood and money. Eighteen years ago, one of them – angry, troubled and in trouble – went missing.

'M' is for Millhone, now hired to trace that missing black sheep brother.

And, in brutal consequence, 'M' is for murder . . .