A veterinarian's birthday turns deadly when she discovers a murder on a rural farm, pulling her into a dangerous investigation linked to a monastery and its prized German shepherds. Dr. Deirdre Quinn Nightingale, or Didi, finds her birthday ruined by a gruesome discovery: the murder of ninety-year-old Mary Hyndman. Tasked with delivering a donation to Alsatian House, a monastery known for its German shepherds, Didi seeks solace among the dogs and monks. However, her brief respite is shattered when a second murder occurs, one that Didi's instincts tell her is connected to Mary's death, forcing her to confront a killer with dangerous intentions.

This novel appears to be the second installment in the Dr. Nightingale series, following a veterinarian protagonist who stumbles into mysteries. The premise suggests a blend of veterinary practice and crime-solving, with a focus on animal welfare and a rural setting. The narrative likely balances the protagonist's professional life with her amateur sleuthing, leading to suspenseful encounters with a dangerous killer. The inclusion of a monastery and German shepherds adds a unique element to the unfolding investigation.