In Carystown, Kentucky, Sheriff Bill Delaney's daily routine is abruptly altered when Kate Russell enters his office. Kate informs him where the body of nine-year-old Isabella Moon lies. Isabella disappeared two years ago and it remains an open wound for this small community. When the body is unearthed, shock waves flow through the town, as inhabitants look upon one another with suspicion.

As the investigation begins, a seemingly senseless murder occurs, and the town's secrets are in danger of being exposed, especially Kate's. Sheriff Delaney must probe into her carefully reconstructed life. He soon finds that all clues to the killings eventually lead back to Kate. She's the thread that connects the past with the present. Then the past collides with the present, sending shock waves throughout the community as the town's ugly secrets are exposed in a surprisingly haunted ending.

Ms. Benedict's debut is a darkly edgy thriller depicting small-town life. She creatively weaves supernatural elements as Isabella's spirit drives the finely drawn characters to a startling conclusion. The effective combination of supernatural and thriller increases the suspense as layer upon layer peels away revealing the rotten core within the heart of the community.