The provided excerpts detail the plot of Dana Cameron's mystery novel, Past Malice, which follows archaeologist and professor Emma Fielding during a field season at the historic Chandler House in Stone Harbor. The excavation quickly turns into a double murder investigation when Emma discovers the bodies of security guard Justin Fisher and later, the powerful Historical Society member Aden Fiske, near her dig units. As Emma researches local history for her project, she simultaneously finds herself drawn into the secrets and volatile rivalries among the town's elite, learning that Fiske was actively blackmailing several people. The climax occurs when Emma realizes that the culprit is Perry Taylor, a Historical Society employee, who attempts to poison Emma's sister to stop her from discovering Fiske's hidden files. Ultimately, the narrative skillfully combines technical details of archaeological research with a suspenseful plot focused on solving the murders and uncovering deep-seated community corruption.