Assistant County Attorney Ellen North's assignment to the Kirkwood case has landed her in the hot seat - a position she thought she had left behind in the crime-choked Minneapolis court system. But politics and ulterior motives abound. As Ellen prepares for her toughest assignment yet, she faces not only a sensation-driven press corps, but an unwanted partner in Jay Butler Brooks, bestselling crime author and media star. Just as they are sure they have the right man, a second kidnapping occurs, and Ellen receives threatening phone calls. Dr Garret Wright has already been arrested for the kidnapping of Josh Kirkwood - but all the indications are that the kidnapper is still at large.