Ailene Burke had dedicated her life to creating beauty on this barrier island. With an Irish temper and an indomitable spirit, she had raised five boys alone before she had followed her artistic passion. Here by the tranquil lapping water, she had founded her art school and her "Sanctuary Garden," a place of creativity. This was the serenity that she had craved. That is, until a young woman's body is found tied to a metal sculpture in her cherished haven. Posed like a work of art, the victim is an adaptation of the crucifixion. Shocked to learn that her intern, Malcolm Gallo, is their prime suspect, Ailene sets out to exonerate him much to the disapproval of the police and her overprotective son, Michael. Undeterred, she looks into the victim's life, leading her to a local dive bar where she meets Amos McCoy, a fisherman who finds Ailene more interesting than the crime she's investigating. When another body is found on display, Ailene realizes that the killer may be fixated on her. With an attack on her son and the kidnapping of his girlfriend, Ellie, she knows that time is of the essence. With the police at a loss, it falls to Ailene to follow the clues. Will she and Amos be able to find Ellie before it's too late? And, how many more "pieces of art" will be displayed in her "Sanctuary Garden?"