Just when you thought it was safe to go back to church ... Thwarted in her desire to live in San Francisco, an ambitious woman decides to make a splash in bucolic Santa Marta. She needs allies in fighting a planned rehab center near her posh new home, and, egged on by a status-hungry friend, finds them at St. Francis Church, pastored and loved by Father Dismas Shaunessey. The lovely newcomer quickly establishes herself in the parish, with its hallowed traditions, and begins creating havoc. She underestimates, however, the deep emotional currents in the parish. As a result of her arrogance and despite Father Dismas's best efforts, events spin out of control. Without the camouflage of comforting traditions, parishioners must face their own demons, and some aren't equal to the task. Murder transforms the parish into a bleak war zone, but with a mixture of Irish intuition and spiritual insight Father Dismas unmasks the face of evil.