Montezuma County Sheriff's detective, Jude Devine doesn't face too many challenges based in remote Paradox Valley, where most of the crime involves hiker assaults, campsite thefts, and cattle rustling. However, when the body of local teenager, Darlene Huntsberger shows up with a stake through her heart and missing her tongue, Jude finds herself leading an investigation no one wants to touch.

Darlene was a member of a Utah polygamist cult with powerful allies; a cult that silences women who try to leave. As Jude uncovers the truth about Darlene, and tries to save a young girl from being forced into a marriage, she must decide how much she is willing to risk to see justice done. Further complicating her choices is her entanglement with the golden girl of Southwestern forensic pathology, Dr. Mercy Westmoreland.