Perla Wultz lives with her husband, Grant, and their precious daughter, Sophie, in a gated Pasadena community. Perla plays the part of loving wife and mother to perfection. It seems an ideal life, if not for a decades-old crime that has become her dark and consuming secret obsession. Twenty-three years ago, Leewood Folcrum confessed to murdering two young girls during a birthday party. Though he’s been condemned to a life sentence, his crime is not forgotten. Not by Perla, nor by an inquisitive doctoral student interviewing Folcrum for his dissertation. He’s getting the killer to open up --- about his motives, his confession and the truth of what really happened on that horrible night. As the past and the present entwine, the deceptions behind the infamous murder begin to surface. But who’s deceiving who now? And why?

Psychiatrist Dr. Gwen Moore has spent a decade treating California’s most depraved predators and unlocking their motives --- predators much like the notorious Bloody Heart serial killer, whose latest teenage victim escaped and then identified local high school teacher Randall Thompson as his captor. Defense attorney Robert Kavin’s son fell prey to the BH Killer. Convinced of Thompson’s innocence, he steps in to represent him. Now Robert wants Gwen to interview the accused, create a psych profile of the killer and his victims, and help clear his client’s name. As Gwen and Robert grow closer and she dives deeper into the investigation, grave questions arise. So does Gwen’s suspicion that Robert is hiding something --- and that he might not be the only one with a secret.

Cat Winthorpe has worked hard to get what she has: a gorgeous home; social standing; and William, her successful, handsome husband. Then a friendly new couple moves into the estate next door. A life coach with off-the-rack dresses, personal issues and a husband who hasn’t delivered, Neena Ryder is anxious to move up in the world. This beautiful new town is a step in the right direction. It’s also making her aware of what she doesn’t have. Namely, William. When Neena’s infatuation escalates into obsession, it’s just a matter of eliminating a few obstacles to get the life she wants. The life next door. As Neena’s secret fixation grows, so does her friendship with Cat. But beneath their cordial interactions is a wealth of temptations, secrets and toxic jealousy.