Merrin McKenzie has returned to St Ives, leaving past tragedy behind for a quieter life. She has her lovely cottage, fulfilling pro bono legal work, and new friendships, including with Chief Inspector Louis Peppiatt. But peace proves fragile. She offers refuge to Emily, the teenage daughter of a friend caught in a bitter divorce, but then the girl suddenly vanishes. A chilling ransom demand follows, shattering the calm of the Cornish coast. As suspicion deepens and time runs short, Merrin must untangle a web of secrets - before the tranquillity she's rebuilt is lost for good.