Death of a Washington Madame is Book 3 of Warren Adler's nine-book Fiona Fitzgerald Mystery Series, currently in development as a new TV series entitled Capitol Crimes.

Detective Fiona Fitzgerald is an unlikely force for justice in Washington, DC's predominantly male police force. As a Senator's daughter and top investigator in the homicide division of the Metropolitan Police Department, Fiona maneuvers between two vastly different worlds, moving quickly from opulent State galas to gritty crime scenes. Born into the elite social circles of the nation's capital, and armed with intimate knowledge of the true face of the political establishment, Fiona is determined to expose the chicanery concealed within the highest echelons of the American political aristocracy.

Old money, old secrets. The elderly mother of the Governor of Virginia, an icon of Washington society, is found dead and sexually assaulted in her posh Washington, DC, residence. Metropolitan Police detective Fiona Fitzgerald investigates the horrifying crime. As a senator's daughter, she has the advantage of knowing the world of Washington's privileged.

Young Martine, the accused, has no advantages. He was not raised in a family with political leverage and does not understand the inner-workings and secrets of Washington's politicians. Then there is the devoted servant, the status-hungry daughter-in-law, the drugs, power, and money - but where does the truth lie within this complicated family drama?

Through it all, Fiona wrestles with her own feelings about marriage as she considers marriage to a former general, who is now mounting a massive offensive for her hand. Will an inside look at one Washington marriage - and all of its dirty little secrets - help her choose? Fiona must battle both privilege and prejudice as she uncovers the inevitable truth behind the political facade.