Detective Mallory Russo left the police force amid a scandal that left her with a tattered reputation. Attempting to reinvent herself, Mallory tries writing true crime, until a local priest begs her to investigate two missing teenagers. The police view the teens as prime suspects in the brutal murder of their friends. Father Kevin is unable to change the police perception and convinces Mallory to use her exceptional skill at thinking outside the box to find the teens. Father Kevin persuades his childhood friend, billionaire Robert Magellan, who sympathizes with missing person cases, to finance the venture. His wife and infant son have been missing for over a year with no clues to their disappearance.

Aiding Mallory in her endeavor is Detective Charlie Wanamaker, a new hire on the police force. They piece together a different scenario regarding the crime. They know their time is short, if the teens are still alive. Their poking and prodding unleashes unexpected results as someone makes an attempt on Mallory's life. Dealing with an uncooperative police force that could have instigated the attack, Mallory receives help only from Charlie. With the clock ticking, the suspense heightens as they get closer to the truth.

Ms. Stewart begins a new series that focuses on missing persons. The vivid characters she assembles have ample flaws to interest readers as they watch them develop and reawaken to the new possibilities that life offers. The well-executed plot ends with a thrilling climax.