by Maureen Anne Meehan (Author)
In a chilling tale, a series of disappearances along America's vast highway system goes largely unnoticed until a breakthrough occurs with the discovery of a body buried at an abandoned truck stop on Highway 25 near Cheyenne, Wyoming. With minimal forensic evidence, an innovative technique reveals a hidden network of murders spanning decades.
Mary Macintosh, now a consultant for the FBI, is drawn into the investigation when DNA evidence links the crime to an elusive long-haul trucker who has successfully evaded capture for years. This killer, dubbed "The Highway Phantom," operates like a ghost-never remaining in one location, utilizing burner phones, and manipulating electronic logs to obscure his whereabouts.
As Mary and forensic specialists deploy advanced techniques such as investigative genetic genealogy, digital forensics, and AI-enhanced geographic profiling, they uncover a disturbing pattern: the killer abducts women from rest stops, truck stops, and gas stations, turning the interstate system into his personal hunting ground.
Just as the FBI is closing in on the Phantom, Mary receives a sinister message-a letter, written in blood, left at a crime scene. The Highway Phantom knows her name, is watching her closely, and is eager to play a deadly game.