Vested interest: "a special concern or stake in maintaining or influencing a condition, arrangement, or action especially for selfish ends." -Merriam Webster Dictionary.
In
Vested Interest: A David Elliott Mystery
, an attractive, intelligent young member of David Elliott's congregation disappears; fear and ugly rumors spread throughout the community and the congregation. After her strangled body is found, the autopsy reveals startling details. The investigation, hampered by a lack of solid evidence, proceeds slowly. When another member of David Elliott's congregation dies mysteriously, the increasing anxiety rips the church apart and intensifies David's doubt of his ability and self-worth. David finds evidence that appears to incriminate members of his congregation as killers. His daring plan to confront the killers erupts in violence and death before the killers can be brought to justice.