Private investigator Jessica Shaw lives a quiet life in a small town in the California desert, spending her time working on low-key cases. But when a former resident of the town asks her to help her sister Rue Hunter, a convicted murderer whose execution is just days away, Jessica can't resist the offer.

Rue doesn't remember what happened that night thirty years ago when two high school students were murdered, but everyone in town is certain she's guilty. Jessica sets out to investigate and discovers that while the local whisperer points in one direction, the evidence says otherwise. And nobody wants to face the truth. In addition, Jessica can't shake the feeling that someone is watching her - and she knows more than ever that she can't trust anyone.

The investigator delves deeper into the past and uncovers secrets in unexpected places - including the local police station. But the clock is ticking and Jessica must uncover the truth as quickly as possible - or Rue Hunter's failing memory will cost her her own life.