When Joann Avery's best friend of thirty years, Amy, calls her in a panic to meet for dinner, Joann agrees immediately. Amy is in the middle of a business acquisition near Chesapeake Bay. She must acquire an historic estate known as "The Cedars," but with negotiations at a standstill, Amy needs an ally. She asks Joann for assistance and, knowing the area and the people, Joann agrees.
Soon, however, a hurricane strikes the historic Northern Neck of Virginia near the Chesapeake Bay. A dead body is found in the area, but authorities can't tell whether the man died from natural causes or murder. It appears the hurricane and a hungry flock of vultures have contributed to the scene, but there's more to this death than meets the eye. It's got something to do with Amy's business dealings, and Joann is right in the middle of the scandal.
Due to a case of mistaken identity, Joann is in danger of being jailed or possibly killed. The police consider her a material witness, since she recently inquired about the grounds where the dead body was found. Now, the murderer is on her case, too. With the help of her husband, her friends, and an unusual plan, Joann might make it out of this alive ... and catch a violent killer in the process.