Before transferring to a station in a sleepy little Mississippi town, Detective Jolene "Jo" Devereaux and her partner had been chasing a serial killer. One who would stalk his victims, women living alone, learning their routines and habits. Then he’d gain access to their homes, disguised as a police officer, before torturing and killing them. A fatal mistake had Jo deciding to start over. New town, new job, new partner.

Detective Nick Spenser wasn't used to having a female partner who looked more like a model than a cop. But he soon learns she's got brains and nerves of steel. A good thing, since the serial killer Jo thought she'd left behind decided he wasn't done with her yet.