The Greater Good

by Jessica K. Webb

In a city where progress hides dark secrets, Detective Thomas Mackay hunts for justice to protect the innocent from becoming the price of innovation.

Detective Thomas Mackay is drowning in grief. Haunted by the loss of his young daughter, he buries himself into his work, desperate to escape the pain. But his latest case—a brutal murder marked by months of unspeakable torture—pulls him into a world far darker than he could have imagined.

As Thomas and his partner, Jackie Torres, investigate the victim’s horrific death, they stumble upon a chilling pattern of disappearances among Seattle's homeless population. Their search for answers leads to a secretive research facility promising groundbreaking medical treatments. But beneath its façade of hope lies a disturbing underworld of corruption, unethical experiments, and human lives reduced to disposable assets.

The deeper Thomas digs, the more resistance he faces—from department funding cuts and denied warrants to his own lieutenant demanding he drop the case. He begins crossing lines he never thought he would—breaking laws and burning bridges—until the investigation consumes him entirely. As corruption reaches into the highest levels of power, one thing becomes terrifyingly in a city where money and power dictate morality, uncovering the truth might cost more than just his badge.

In this gripping first installment of the Network of Lies series, Jessica K. Webb crafts a heart-pounding thriller that explores the human cost of scientific advancement and the moral compromises made in the name of the greater good. Perfect for fans of Michael Connelly's gritty detective work and Robin Cook's medical thrillers.

182 pages, Paperback

Published March 25, 2025

About the author

As a young reader, I gravitated toward thrillers and horror stories. I didn't put much thought into why, simply believing it was the unstoppable monsters who drew me in. As I got older, I realized it was my curiosity about how these monsters would be stopped that hooked me. Life can throw us horrific events, leaving us feeling out of control as we face these unimaginable "monsters". But like our heroes, we can stare these monsters in the eyes and win. We may not have control over what's thrown at us, but we do have control over how we respond -- and knowing that makes us incredibly strong.

Reviews

[Caroline Shepherd · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half of this book had me in tears. I honestly can't remember the last time I had tears sneaking down my cheeks while reading. The second half, had me on the edge of my seat! I seriously could not stop reading, and when I had to, all I was thinking about was what might happen next. A quick read with lots of detail and twists and turns that keep you guessing until the end.

[isaac · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars

disclaimer: i won this in a giveaway

for a crime novel, this book has a good writing style, but it just tries to do a little too much for the short length of the book. it deals with interesting topics of grief and loss, and there are some quiet beautiful passages about these topics, but the fact that it's wrapped up within an utterly predictable, unbelievable plot containing every detective noir trope there is really just didn't do it any good. the protagonist is a picture book crime novel detective, including family problems, alcoholism and the most deranged decision making known to man, and it frustrated me to no end.
also the plot. man. towards the end it simply turned into comedically evil things, and i couldn't take it seriously for the life of me. i think this book could have been a nuanced novel about grief and stuff but it simply doesn't really work as a crime novel.

[Nikki Luft · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was impossible to put down. And it was a short read too, but I love books that are written well (so much imagery) and get right to the point

[Rayner Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping blend of emotion and suspense, A Dance in the DSM delivers a powerful thriller with real heart. Detective Thomas Mackay’s battle with grief collides with a chilling conspiracy that exposes the dark side of medical progress. Fast-paced, morally complex, and deeply human, a standout start to the series. Highly recommended!

[Dixie Banta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

This was an incredible read. I could not put it down and lost all track of time as I fell into the web of the story. If you want a good read, that captivates and pulls you in - look no further. Jessica’s Webb is a master!

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read!

Wow! What a read! This book kept me on the edge of my seat. I needed to know what was going to happen next and I couldn't put it down. Definitely recommend reading this book if you haven't done so.

[Alexis Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

From start to finish this book had me locked in!!! The story is definitely unique and very well done.

[Madison Chivers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turner - Loved the overall plot of the story and even more loved that i didn’t see it all coming!! Great quick read and the ending made me happy!!

[Kenneth Rotter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting premise

I enjoyed this but it seemed underdeveloped. I also hated the wife being the bad guy. Spoiler alert. Just flip the genders of those two and I'd like it more