Mandy Stevenson departed for college at a time when her family was falling apart over the death of her brother, a police officer killed in the line of duty. But now, four years later, it's time to return and face the grief and hardships she left behind.

As summer fades, Mandy finds herself in a nightmare. Her mother vanishes without a trace and Mandy is desperate to find her. However, she is shocked when the police investigation uncovers her mother's secret, nefarious lifestyle, a lifestyle which may have cost her everything, including her life.

Mandy's life continues to spin out of control with the murder of a dear friend. She soon realizes that his murder is connected to her mother's disappearance and is perplexed by his silence.

Moving through the shadows of grief and duplicity, Mandy continues her quest soon discovering the most perfidious betrayal of all. Will this turn her life to bitterness or end it?