The main protagonists of the novel are Stone Barrington, a retired detective turned lawyer/private investigator, and Allison Manning, a young woman accused of murder.

Stone Barrington, once a police officer, now an up-and-coming lawyer, goes on a short vacation to escape his hectic life in New York City.

He sets his sights on a romantic getaway to the islands of St. Marks, where his beau, Arrington Carter, a high-profile host and interviewer, is to join him the next day.

Lastly, the sweet and gorgeous Allison Manning, standing trial for murdering her husband and disposing of his body at sea, in a place where conviction meant death by hanging.

Racing to prove the young widow innocent of any wrongdoing pits Stone against a determined protector standing on the verge of becoming the next Prime Minister of St. Marks.