Lindsay is a detective for the San Francisco Police Department, an ambitious and capable cop who hopes to one day to move into a managerial role. Lindsay works twice as hard as the men around her because of the glass ceiling that still exists for women in the field. However, she is good at what she does and believes she’ll be promoted soon.

A blood disorder called aplastic anemia threatens to sideline Lindsay’s ambition. The illness causes the body to stop making red blood cells and can be fatal. Lindsay does not initially respond to treatment, which makes her worry that her life might be ending. For this reason, Lindsay works extra hard to solve her current case, but also to keep love interest Chris Raleigh at arm’s length. She does not see the point of beginning a relationship if she is dying.

As the novel progresses, Lindsay gives in to her desire for Chris and gathers a team of strong, capable women to help her solve the crime. With their support, she weathers her worsening health, her sympathetic connection to the first bride victim, and her doubts about the guilt of the first viable suspect, Nicholas Jenks.