Now Sean's skull has been found in the desert and all Xavier's doubt has resurfaced. Needing to stay in San Diego as a witness in a trial, Xavier sends his young partner Sydney Bryant to Nevada, armed with evidence, police records and his old notes. Sydney arrives in Las Vegas, trusting Xavier's gut feelings about the case and begins interviewing the guests from the small wedding.

Sydney finds there were petty jealousies, old loves and new business deals back then that caused some hard feelings, though none seem strong enough to lead to murder. A meeting with the last guest, Tiki Everly, provides Sydney with possibly her biggest lead, but also with a warning: the murderer knows Sydney is investigating the incident and is keeping very close tabs on her.

August Nights is a methodical private eye mystery, but one that gives very little away before Sydney puts everything together. The interviews Sydney conducts are merely rehashings of old events (of which everyone seems to have clear and exceptional memories) and if she makes any significant, helpful observations, she keeps them to herself. The characters from the night of the wedding are mostly wooden, Tiki adding a bit of lightness, and memories of the bride and groom are not especially warm. During one interview, Sydney learns that Sean's older brother tried to drown him once, and when Alan is questioned about the incident, his answer is a very nonchalant, who hasn't wished their brother or sister dead? Still, he is never considered a serious suspect.

Sydney is not a very creative or intuitive investigator. She finds a straight line and follows it. Her personal life is a bit uncertain as she is engaged to one man but is being wooed by another, one perhaps her mother would prefer. Xavier makes several cameo appearances, and while it is clear what his interest in the case is, it is unclear why he didn't wait the two or three days the trial took to reopen a case that sat for over fifteen years.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry