PI Karl Gatlin takes Aria Piper's case when a threat arrives -"if she doesn't stop doing Satan's work..." A few hours later, a headless John Doe bobs up in the wishing well at Aria's New Age spiritual center near Santa Cruz, California. With canine Larry by his side and a wise-ass hacker helping out, Karl confronts a ruthless pastor, the dead-eyed leader of a drug gang, and several suspicious members of Aria's own flock as he hunts for answers. More murders lead to more questions. How could violence on this scale emerge from such a peaceful spiritual community - led by Aria, no less, the kindest, wisest person Karl has ever met? Will Karl's psychologist training be enough to save his new lover's life?