Inspired by the life of Ann Eliza Young,[1] the novel intertwines a historical narrative with a modern-day murder mystery.

Jordan Scott has been expelled from his fundamentalist sect in modern-day southern Utah, but returns to determine whether his mother killed his father.

[3] In a review of the book for The New York Times, Louisa Thomas wrote, "the multiplicity of perspectives serves to broaden Ebershoff’s depiction not only of polygamy, but also of the people whose lives it informs," giving the novel "a rare sense of moral urgency.

"[4] John O'Connell for The Guardian wrote, "[F]or the most part this is intelligent, compelling stuff with several decent twists.

[6] A television movie adaptation aired on Lifetime on September 13, 2010, starring Matt Czuchry, Patricia Wettig, and Chyler Leigh.