Detective Marian Cole is called to the scene of a staged murder in the American Wing of the Museum of Fine Arts. The victim, Elise Chambers, is posed to mimic John Singer Sargent's painting "Madame X." The killer manipulates the crime scene with artistic precision, treating the victim's blood like paint.

As Cole investigates, she recognizes the work of an educated and meticulous killer with a deep understanding of art history. The killer is not only recreating famous paintings, but also making a statement by subverting their original meaning.

The investigation reveals a pattern: the murders are recreations of iconic American paintings, arranged chronologically backward. The killer's technical skill increases with each murder, suggesting artistic training and experience in art preservation or restoration.

The investigation reveals a pattern: the murders are recreations of iconic American paintings, arranged chronologically backward. The killer's technical skill increases with each murder, suggesting artistic training and experience in art preservation or restoration.

As the investigation progresses, the killer escalates, moving from private settings to more public displays, culminating in a deadly exhibition at a prestigious art gallery.

Detective Cole, utilizing her expertise in art history, must decipher the killer's motives and stop him before he completes his final, deadly masterpiece.