Itâs the hot and humid East Coast summer of 1931 and seven years since Dr. Haley Higginsâs brother Joe was murdered. The case is cold. The Boston Police Department may have given up on finding Joe Higginsâs killer, but Haley never will. Sheâs serious and savvy and has what it takes to hold up under depressing times, and she at least finds some satisfaction doing her part as the city pathologistâs assistant in solving other crimes. Investigative reporter Samantha Hawkeâbyline Sam Hawkeâis blonde, beautiful, and broke, no thanks to her no-good husband whoâs been on the lam for over six years. Her position at The Boston Daily Record is more than a jobâitâs payback. When a man is found dead at the Bell in Hand Tavern on Union Street, Haley and Samantha are both working the case. Haleyâs looking for justice, and Samanthaâs after recognition and a raise. They want the same thingâto catch a killerâand it turns out they may need each other to solve this case before becoming the next victims.