On a February afternoon, little Stella Rivers disappeared and was never seen again. All that remained was that cold fear and dread that touched everyone in town. In October, when the disappearance of five-year old John Lawrence was followed by evil, mad, taunting letters, Wexford summoned all his knowledge and resources to prevent another tragedy. But still he came up with nothing. Now, fighting against time and a growing sense of failure, he would have to start again.