When a prominent psychoanalyst becomes the prime suspect in a string of brutal murders, he must navigate a lethal web of deception to clear his name. Dr. Judd Stevens finds his professional life upended when the police identify him as the primary person of interest in a series of killings. Forced to abandon his clinical detachment, he must employ his own psychological expertise to identify the true killer before he becomes the next victim. The narrative maintains a high-tension pace, utilizing a third-person perspective that shifts between the protagonist's internal struggle and the external threats closing in on him.

This novel is recognized as a foundational work in the author's career, establishing the high-stakes suspense style that would define their later bibliography. The premise suggests a focus on the vulnerability of the professional class when confronted with inexplicable criminal violence. Readers likely find the clinical perspective on criminal behavior to be a distinct element that separates the narrative from standard police procedurals. The work functions as a tight, character-driven thriller that relies on the protagonist's intellectual capacity to survive a physical threat.