Lily Ellsworth–erect, firm, white-haired, and stylish–is the grand dame of Dowling, Massachusetts, and possesses an iron will and a bottomless purse. When she hires Spenser to investigate her grandson Jared Clark’s alleged participation in a school shooting, Spenser is led into an inquiry that increases more harrowing at every change. Though seven individuals were killed in cold bloodstream, and despite Jared’s becoming named being a co-conspirator from the additional shooter, Mrs. Ellsworth is definitely convinced of her grandson’s about COLLEGE DAYS innocence. Jared’s parents are resigned to his fate, and the son himself doesn’t seem to care whether he goes to prison for the crime he could not have dedicated.

As the probe continues on, Spenser finds himself up against a number of roadblocks–from the institution officials who don’t want him asking questions, to Jared’s own parents, who are completely indifferent towards the boy’s defense. Ultimately, Spenser discovers a web of blackmail and some heavy-duty indiscretions–and a truth too troubling to contemplate. Before the case gets to its unfortunate end, he’s forced to produce a series of challenging decisions–with fatal implications.