A string of targeted kidnappings launches criminalist Ellie Matthews into the midst of a shocking case.

After surviving the brutal ordeal of her last investigation, Ellie Matthews just wants to return to teaching, and put her nightmares behind her. But fate has other plans. It isn't long before the reluctant investigator finds herself drawn back into the field.

And once again, tragedy strikes close to home . . .

Ellie's mentor, Sheriff Jayne Walsh, reaches out to her with a desperate plea for help. A series of women have gone missing. Each victim is a family member of a law enforcement professional. And each one has turned up dead. Now, the latest victim is Jayne's niece . . .

Struggling to piece together a series of cryptic poems left by the killer, Ellie must work hand in hand with her old partner, plus a combative FBI agent who seems to butt heads with her at every turn. But when the trail leads to a cold case from Ellie's past, she quickly discovers the killer's vendetta may be even more personal than she thought.

Now time is running out, and the murderer is poised to strike again . . .

Contains mature themes.