As magnificent, melancholy autumn comes to North Carolina, longtime partners sculptor Amanda Rittenhouse and psychiatrist Sara Orlando each have a secret—they plan to propose marriage. But life keeps getting in the way. Teenage cousin Lori arrives unexpectedly with a problem. Pornographic nude pictures of Lori have gone viral, and she needs their help. Helping Lori leads Amanda and Sara into the dark world of internet predators, where they attract a vicious stalker of their own, who intends lethal harm rather than a few sinister texts. Who had they hurt so badly? Who would seek such sick revenge?

As the stalker’s threats escalate, they scroll through potential enemies, past and present. Sara’s disturbed psychiatric patients, casual acquaintances, ex-lovers, and even friends become suspects. This unknown evil released into their world leads them from the mountains of Asheville to the homes of former friends and finally to the Charlotte police station, only to find puzzles within puzzles. When the evil literally arrives on their doorstep, it threatens the very possibility of a happily-ever-after.