In the picture-perfect community of Newport Beach, violent crime is virtually nonexistent - until one sunny morning, when the beautiful bookkeeper of Newport's wealthiest family is found strangled in her bed. Johnny Barnes - loyal husband, dad, philanthropist, and all-around decent guy - is arrested for the murder. Johnny has been wrongly accused. He is released on $20 million bail, but the tide of public opinion turns rapidly against him. Everyone has competing agendas, from the power-hungry DA to a perspicacious police detective to Johnny's influential brother-in-law. With diminishing resources and dwindling hope, Johnny must conduct his own investigation. His journey takes him from Montecito to North Dakota to Key Biscayne as he uncovers a dazzling web of intrigue, self-dealing, extortion, and murder. The clock is ticking. Soon Johnny will be sent to prison for crime he did not commit - unless he is able to identify the true murderer and clear his name in time.