The discovery of a murdered family friend on a park bench forces Gwen Madden to initiate an investigation to provide solace for her grieving daughter. Driven by the need to support her daughter, Isabel, Gwen Madden takes on the role of an amateur investigator to identify the perpetrator behind the crime. The narrative follows her as she navigates the social and personal implications of the victim's death, despite her own lack of affection for the deceased. The story operates within the framework of a classic mystery, focusing on the intersection of domestic life and criminal inquiry. Gwen must balance her protective instincts as a mother with the logical demands of uncovering a hidden truth in a community where the victim was not universally liked.

Readers frequently highlight the focus on the emotional fallout of a crime within a family unit rather than purely procedural police work. Discussion often centers on the protagonist's internal conflict regarding her personal dislike for the victim versus her desire to protect her daughter. Critics note the steady pacing that emphasizes character development over high-octane action sequences. The narrative is often praised for its grounded approach to the mystery genre, providing a clear look at how a single event disrupts the status quo of a neighborhood. Many readers find the motivation behind the investigation to be the primary driver of the story's momentum.