Ward's Baldwine family returns in this fast-paced, dramatic sequel. At the end of The Bourbon Kings (2015), patriarch William's body was found in the Ohio River an apparent suicide. But the world of the Baldwines isn't always what it seems, and there were plenty of people who wanted him dead. Youngest son Lane discovers numerous irregularities in the Bradford Bourbon Company's accounts, and it seems that the family business is headed for ruin unless immediate action is taken. The other Baldwines have problems of their own Gin is about to marry an abusive narcissist, Edward suffers physically and mentally from his father's cruelty, and Maxwell's return to the family fold after a lengthy absence is greeted with suspicion. Ward's saga is a modern version of the 1980s blockbusters about the wealthy and dissolute, but the characters are surprisingly likable as they struggle to get their troubled house back in order. The twists and turns may be implausible, and the amount of money the Baldwines throw around is jaw-dropping, but this series is the definition of a fun, escapist summer read.--Donohue, Nanette Copyright 2016 Booklist