Forensic Scientist Penelope Washburn has the bad habit of finding herself in the middle of other people's messes. Unfortunately, she's too nice to say anything about it. She also has an Achilles heel, ex-boss Detective Jose Ortega, who also happens to be an ex-love interest. When Ortega gets tangled in a multinational crime involving a well-known and powerful cult, along with a dangerous family known for their high-profile grifts, Penelope insists on accompanying her old flame to Ireland to help. Meanwhile, ex-cult member and journalist-turned detective, Rue Brennan, knows the people involved more than anyone, and agrees to go with them, even though it means coming face-to-face with an old nemesis... and her past.