Rough Cut

Shadows of Chicago #3

by Wendy Church

Chef and FBI secret informant Sag Pfister is propelled into the glamorous life of the rich but soon finds herself in a disturbing and toxic web of deceit in this intricately plotted thriller!

Chef and reluctant FBI informant Sagarine Pfister has a new Infiltrate one of Chicago’s wealthiest families and uncover what billionaire diamond kingpin Richard Nottingham is planning behind closed doors.

The FBI knows Nottingham is a long-dormant Russian sleeper agent who’s just been activated, and now it seems he’s planning something lethal—but for whom, and on what scale?

Despite a series of bloody clues left around the city by someone who may be on their side, the FBI is clueless. Sag needs to blend in and expose Nottingham’s plan before it goes into motion, and before she gets caught. Because if he even suspects who she really is, he has the power to erase her—without a trace.

For fans of Janet Evanovich and “audiences who wish the TV series The Bear could make room for Russian mobsters” (Kirkus Reviews). A witty, tense rollercoaster of a ride!

272 pages, Paperback

Expected publication August 25, 2026

About the author

Wendy’s novels are informed by extensive international travel and many careers. She’s been a bartender, tennis pro, management consultant, nonprofit CEO, PhD researcher, and dive bar cleaner. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her partner, and when not writing spends her time as personal valet to several furry housemates.

Reviews

[Sam]

Rough Cut is the third instalment in a series, I knew this going in. Where sometimes you can read books of a series as a standalone I wouldn’t recommend it for this one, it is what I did though.i am regretting this decision now.
This books shows well developed characters with a clear backstory and history,I am sure these are all discussed in the two other books. Books that are now well spoiled for me by reading this third one,it gives away too much about the obvious books to still get the thrill of figuring things out.

Back to this book. It’s great, I enjoyed the multi layered story, the twists and turns of this book and the outcome.
I think it is well written, it keeps you guessing and entertained. I would definitely read more about these characters. It’s an original story and written with a keen eye for detail in every sense, from the food the character cooks as a chef,to the surroundings I’m which the characters find themselves

[Gordon Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rough Cut is an excellent Chicago based thriller, the latest in a very good series. Sagarine Pfister, expert chef and sometime FBI informer, goes undercover with diamond billionaire Richard Nottingham. He is though to be a Russian sleeper agent, with plans for a major terrorist attach on the city. Sag becomes his events chef and tries to figure out the plan.

Meanwhile a series of attacks on prominent Chicago buildings sees coded clues left each time. Csn the police and FBI figure out what they mean - and are they connected to the upcoming attack?

Rough Cut is well written and with a fascinating cast of characters. The suspense is high throughout as Sag works to uncover secrets, as well as navigate the family politics of the ultra rich Nottinghams.

[Dawn Rodney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every minute of this book. I have read Book 1 and 2. I love this series. I'm not going to add any spoilers here. I was pleasantly surprised by how the author drops a big bomb about the main character, Sag, into the middle of the book. It was so much fun. The characters in the book are so easy to love and hate, you really lean into hating the bad guys and rooting for the smart as heck, strong female characters, Sag and her bestie, Maude. If you want a fun to read mystery that keeps you intrigued, this series has it all for you.

[Janel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series, each book is better than the last!