The mutilated body of an unknown woman was found in the forest near a lake. Two preacher sisters and their adopted children disappeared right from their own home. A quiet, inconspicuous old woman was brutally murdered. The police see no connection between these crimes. However, Kay Scarpetta, who joined the investigation, is convinced that what is happening is the work of one person. Moreover, the killer's handwriting surprisingly resembles the actions of a maniac. Basil Jenrette, who has dozens of lives on his conscience. But Jenrette has been in a prison psychiatric hospital for a long time. Was his monstrous deeds continued by someone else? Kay and her team are trying to track down a new predator...