Autumn brings a fresh start in academia, but there are signs that Jamie Brodie's autumn quarter might bring trouble. First, his next door neighbors unexpectedly drop off the grid. Several days later Jamie discovers - with the help of his dog - that something very bad has happened in the neighbors' house. When the victim is identified, Jamie briefly becomes a suspect - but something far more dangerous is lying in wait for Jamie. And he doesn't recognize it until it's too late.