Girls, Crimes, and the Ruling Body

A legislative intern with secrets that could unravel the governing elite vanishes into the night in Albany, New York. Seven years later, another young woman disappears in a suburb of the nation's Capital. The only connection between both missing women is Ryan McNeil, the chief of staff to a rising congressman.

Under suspicion, Ryan must now prove his innocence in these women's abductions, but in the ruthless world of politics-where the line between crime and lawful authority blurs-there is no one he can trust. With his life at stake, Ryan confronts the elaborate lies of his lover, his wife, and his political mentor to uncover the identities of a murderer and manipulator.

While Ryan tries desperately to maintain his relationship with his wife and stepdaughter, the desires and deceits of those around him undermine his family and also the integrity of government. Innocent of murder, but implicated in this political world of deception, Ryan discovers the only truth is power.

"... the pace of the story is consistently propulsive throughout, which is sure to maintain readers' interest."

-Kirkus Reviews

Barry R. Ziman started his career as a Director of Legislation in New York State in the 1980s. In the 90s, he became a lobbyist first in New York City and later in Washington, DC. He is a graduate of the Bronx High School of Science and the State University of New York, College at Oneonta. In October 2021, Mr. Ziman was awarded as an"Honorable Mention" finalist in the F. Scott Fitzgerald Short StoryCompetition.