This text introduces the thriller Girl Missing by Tess Gerritsen, originally published as Peggy Sue Got Murdered, which serves as a creative turning point between her early romantic suspense and her later medical thrillers. The story follows medical examiner Kat Novak as she investigates a series of mysterious drug overdoses in the city of Albion involving a new, unidentified narcotic. Her path crosses with Adam Quantrell, a wealthy pharmaceutical executive searching for his estranged stepdaughter, who may be linked to the lethal substance. As the pair navigates the dangerous South Lexington projects, they uncover a conspiracy involving corporate theft, corrupt police officers, and blackmail. The narrative culminates in a violent confrontation with a dirty detective named Ratchet, forcing Kat and Adam to fight for their lives. Ultimately, the ordeal leads to a reconciliation between Adam and his daughter while solidifying the romantic bond between the two protagonists.