But in her search for long-buried information, Carrie finds a worthy rival in NYPD Detective Ellie Hatcher, who, with her partner, J. J. Rogan, is tapped to reassess the investigation that led to Amaro's conviction. The case is personal for them, too: Ellie wonders whether they got the assignment because of her relationship with the lead prosecutor, and Rogan has his own reasons to distrust Amaro's defense team.

As their investigations take them back to Carrie's hometown, secrets buried long ago lead to a brutal attack—one that makes it terrifyingly clear that someone has gotten too close to the truth.