The body of Jennifer Goodall, the Naval Academy's sexual assault victim's intervention officer is found brutally beaten on the set. Hannah's fingerprints are found on the murder weapon, a hammer which she had been using in her construction work. What's more, the hammer is wrapped in Hannah's shirt.

Years before, Goodall had falsely accused Hannah's husband, Paul, of sexual harassment. Now Hannah is chief suspect in the murder. She is able to post bail and seek the real murderer who has framed her. Hannah finds that there are many possible murderers with motives, since Goodall had made many enemies in the course of her career

This is a tightly constructed mystery, full of intrigue and betrayal. There are vivid descriptions of Annapolis and its neighborhood as the reader is taken on a tour of the buildings of the Academy. The dilemma of gays in the military is discussed in detail. The action is fast-paced with a well-written, engrossing story. The production of Sweeney Todd is presented in just enough detail to pique the interest of the reader.

A thoroughly enjoyable trip through the halls of the Naval Academy.