With the precision of a surgeon, a serial killer preys on the most vulnerable souls of the world's city streets. The first victim: a sidewalk sleeper, found dead in New York City. No bruises, no signs of struggle. Just a laser — perfect, fist-sized hole where his heart had once been. Lieutenant Eve Dallas is assigned to investigate. But in the heat of a cat and mouse game with the killer, Dallas's job is suddenly on the line. Now her hands are tied... between a struggle for justice — and a fight for her career...

Now Nixie Swisher is an orphan — and the sole eyewitness to a seemingly inexplicable crime. Kids are not Dallas's strong suit. But Nixie needs a safe place to stay, and Dallas needs to solve this case. Not only because of the promise she made to Nixie. Not only for the cause of justice. But also to put to rest some of her own darkest memories — and deepest fears. With her partner Peabody on the job, and watching her back — and with Roarke providing the kind of help only he can give — Lieutenant Eve Dallas is running after shadows, and dead-set on finding out who's behind them.