She traded the rat race to work in an academic lab. Instead of peace and quiet, she discovers jealousy, treachery and murder. And she may be next.

COVID, a stressful job and the end of Gemma's marriage signaled a need to change everything in her life. Finding a job in public information in a university affiliated lab near Raleigh run by a world-renowned researcher seemed like a dream come true. Lured by warmer weather, a pay raise, cheaper rent and a scenic commute, she wasn't prepared for another cutthroat environment. Or the murder of a researcher found in a chimp's cage.

Relieved by the arrival of the small-town detective, Steve Thibault, she realizes he'll be frustrated by the uncooperative and tightlipped researchers. As they become attracted to each other, he comes to rely on her as an ally. And as he surfaces each hidden truth and buried accusation, he discovers everybody seems to have a motive.

Can they peel back the lies before there is another body?