Chief Jacquelyn "Jackie" Hall of the Rowley police along a surprisingly twisted path when subtle evidence indicates that the accidental death of a local woman she has known for years may be something more disturbing.

When a young investigator named Marcia Grieves is assigned to the case by the Essex County DA's office, Jackie is at first unsure of how much help she will be, but she soon comes to respect and welcome the impartial second set of eyes as unsettling secrets are discovered regarding the victim, her husband, and their step-kids.