After the terrifying search for her sister's killer, Thea Kozak, a young, dynamic businesswoman, vowed that her detecting days were over. But when her old college roommate's mother, Helen Streeter, is brutally murdered on their prosperous suburban street, Thea goes to offer comfort and chicken soup, and finds herself being drawn into the investigation.

Her friend Eve, convinced that her father is the killer, begs Thea to help her prove it. Thea is equally convinced that he is not, and sets out to show Eve she is wrong.

And Eve is not the only one who wants Thea involved. Because she is close to the family, a charismatic police detective wants her to be his "inside" person.

Her plan to reassure Eve turns to danger as Thea discovers disturbing things about Eve's parents and a seamy dark side to their apparently "perfect" relationship. Was Helene Streeter a brilliant therapist dedicated to helping battered women reclaim their lives? A loving wife and mother? A role model for her daughter's friends? Or a slutty woman who trolled bars at night and picked up sketchy men? Was her father a loving charmer or a man with a secret life he will go to great lengths to protect?