In a world where motherhood can be a crime, a woman risks everything to defy those in power . . .

Ten years after the world took drastic action to rein in overpopulation, Elspeth suspects she is pregnant—illegally—after a brief, alcohol-fuelled fling with Nick. Even procuring a test to confirm it would be risky.

As Elspeth tries desperately to keep her condition hidden from the authorities, a female detective becomes convinced something illicit is going on—and tries to resuscitate her own troubled career by pursuing this lawbreaker. But behind the scenes, two people are determined to come to Elspeth’s aid. One is someone close to her who has a secret. The other is someone she would never have expected. Now, as danger closes in, how far will they go to keep Elspeth—and her unborn baby—safe?