The picturesque coastal town of Black Rock Bay was brought to its knees by the brutal rapes and murders in 1996 of four young girls. Crimes that were never solved.
Seventeen years after the murders, Terri Marshall moves back to the Bay from San Francisco. She is a paraplegic, wheelchair-bound since being involved in a serious road traffic accident. Within twenty-four hours of her return, she becomes the victim of an execution-style slaying.
With the assistance of Rosaline (Ros) Irving, a deputy chief of detectives based in Redding and heading up a newly-formed serious crimes unit, Chief of Police John Deakin investigates the murder.
More townspeople are targeted by an unknown perpetrator, and it becomes apparent that there is a link that spans the years. Terri's murder has sparked off a killing spree. Someone is intent on wiping out all incriminating evidence of past crimes, and a pact of silence no longer protects killers who are still living freely in the Bay as respected members of the community.
Several more slayings will rock the formerly peaceful seaside town, as John and Ros combine their experience and resources to try and halt the bloody and horrific crimes. They will ultimately uncover a terrible secret, and come face to face with the deranged and ruthless killer who dwells in their midst.
All that is evil is drawn together by terrifying events that have lain dormant, only to be opened like a can of worms, to rise up and demand to be confronted and finally put to rest.