Detective Hunter O'Malley is baffled by a series of unusual murders in which beautiful, college coeds are being strangled on their birthdays. Still in mourning over the tragic death of his family, Hunter enlists the help of a world-famous author and an extraordinary woman, who teaches him how to love again. As the executioner plans his final, deadly performance, Hunter must discover his identity and stop him before the curtain descends on the life of the woman he loves.