Julian Monasterio has suffered three severe blows: his wife walking out on him; his mother dying; and his 6-year-old daughter displaying signs of psychological damage. Then his father's old pistol is stolen, and so begins much more than a straightforward murder novel. As the novel delves into the private and professional lives of its characters, the layers of the mystery are revealed. Linked to it all, is the slow love that develops between sad and lonely Julian and his daughter's young teacher, brought together by their love of his emotionally withdrawn daughter.