Brassy detective Krystal Murphy, who made cameo appearances in Davidson's previous novels, finally comes into her own in a twisted tale of murder and deceit. A controversial Miami judge is murdered in a Washington hotel room. A suspect is identified, a person with motive and opportunity. But following an unspeakable tragedy, Krystal is convinced she was wrong. When more people associated with the case begin turning up dead, Krystal finds herself in a race against time before she becomes the next victim.