Detective Lindsay Boxer investigates the murder of San Francisco's most celebrated couple, Isa and Ethan Bailey, and reporter Cindy Thomas becomes attracted to the case and Lindsay's partner Rich Conklin, when the body of a preacher is found executed.

The disappearance of supermodel Kim McDaniels during a photo shoot in Hawaii sends her parents and "Los Angeles Times" reporter Ben Hawkins to Maui where Hawkins, a former policeman, is so appalled with the ineptitude of the local police force that he decides he must mount his own investigation if McDaniels is to have any chance at survival.