The discovery of a corpse in a landfill leads Boston PD homicide detective Adam Garrett and his partner Carl Landauer on the hunt for a ritualistic killer who mutilated his victim. Adam, a rising star in the BDP, thinks this may be the case that launches his career when the identity of the victim is revealed. The evidence, including the satanic elements of the killing, all points to a troubled musician in a Goth band who was either dating the victim or stalking her. A quick arrest is made in what appears to be an open-and-shut case.

The case takes an unexpected turn when Tanith Cabarrus, a practicing witch from nearby Salem, tracks Adam down at the homicide bureau to report that the police have arrested an innocent man. She believes that the real perpetrator has killed before and will kill again. How does she know? Her psychic visions and dreams have shown her both the killer and the victims. To find the real killer and prevent further deaths, Adam must team-up with Tanith though it's against his better judgment. Adam's beliefs about the nature of reality are challenged as he fights elements he can't understand and a fierce attraction to the beautiful and mysterious Tanith.

Sokoloff skillfully blends elements of a crime novel, supernatural thriller, and just a hint of romance. Written primarily from Adam's point of view, the strength of the narrative is in revealing Adam's shifting and complex relationships with the BPD, his police partner Carl, and a worldview that had previously excluded any acceptance of the supernatural. Tanith's role as a potential love-interest is secondary to her role as Adam's guide to understanding the evil forces at work.