Nikki James wants nothing more than to pass the Circle's strict entry exams so she can begin to plan her wedding to Michael Kelly. But when one of the testers attempts to kill her, she realises buying a wedding dress is the least of her worries. Especially when Michael is shot and kidnapped.

The trail leads her to the ghost-town where Michael once killed a murderer. She's not surprised to discover that Weylin Dunleavy, the brother of that long ago sorcerer, has set out to raise his brother's spirit from hell. With a barrier of magic surrounding the old town, Nikki must battle Weylin with only her wits, strength and the one psychic gift she cannot fully control.