When Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is called to a farm in the Amish community of Painter's Mill, Ohio, nothing could prepare her for the horror and tragedy she encounters. Solly and Rachel Slabaugh, and his brother Abel, have drowned in the manure pit leaving the four children as orphans. As the investigation progresses, it seems that the Slabaugh deaths were not an accident, and the case suddenly becomes a murder enquiry.

Agent John Tomasetti and Kate have worked together before, and now he is called back to Painter's Mill to help seek out the perpetrators of what appear to be serious hate crimes against the Amish. Whether these crimes and the Slabaugh murders are linked is hard to establish because the Amish are very proud and private people who do not enjoy involvement from outside.

As the case deepens, Kate develops a bond with the children, particularly the 15-year-old daughter, Salome. Maybe she is reminded of herself at that age, and maybe there's something about this case which stirs up memories for her.

The events surrounding the deaths puzzle her - something doesn't feel right. As more information comes to light, a tragic incident turns into something much more shocking.