This book is a mystery thriller set in New Hampshire. It tells the story of Addy Lincoln, an inexperienced Sheriff's Deputy involved in a murder/kidnapping of an ex-nun and her young daughter. A prime suspect comes to light via circumstantial evidence and an undercover investigation, and he is eventually prosecuted. However, there are a number of complications. Addy is the daughter of the defense lawyer and she is romantically involved with a forensic clinical psychologist overseeing the undercover operation. In addition, she increasingly has suspicions about the psychologist's true motivations. The senior deputy is prejudiced against the suspect and the Sheriff himself is baffled by what transpires at the trial and afterwards.