Homicide detective Tracy Crosswhite has returned to the authorities force after the sensational retrial of her sister’s killer. Still scarred from that ordeal, Tracy is normally pulled into an investigation that threatens to get rid of her career, if not really her life.

A serial killer known as the Cowboy is getting rid of young ladies in inexpensive motels in North Seattle. Also after a stalker leaves a menacing message for Crosswhite, suggesting the killer or a copycat could be targeting her personally, she is billed with bringing the murderer to justice. With hints scarce and even more victims dying, Tracy realizes the key to solving the murders may rest in a decade-old homicide investigation that others, including her captain, Johnny Nolasco, would like to maintain buried. Using the Cowboy for the hunt, can Tracy find the evidence to avoid him, or will she become his next victim?