Lucy Perkins is well known in the world of art. She came from a family of artists who nursed her natural talent. Now, after a long, successful career, Lucy faces a devastating tragedy: she's been diagnosed with Huntington's disease.
Lucy, who was once so full of life, is struggling to cope with her terminal illness. She and her husband, a medical researcher, travel to a Catholic retreat center in Kennebunkport, Maine, for some relaxation. Then she's found unconscious at the guest house. After being transported by ambulance to the local emergency room, she is pronounced dead.
Lucy's death is ruled a homicide, and the entire retreat center is in an uproar. Who would want to kill a gravely ill woman and why? This is the conundrum that perplexes Detective David MacDonald and his sleuthing friend, Father Michael O'Malley.
MacDonald and his wife, Margie, move up to Kennebunkport for the summer. While MacDonald interviews Lucy's friends and family, Margie makes friends at the retreat. There her heartstrings are pulled by Charlie, one of the orphans who has a summer job at the center.
Meanwhile, nerves are fraying at the retreat center. If the killer is still on the grounds, everyone could be in grave danger!