After successfully closing the Bloodthirsty case, Jim Donaghue now heads his own unit in Washington. His mission: tracking down and capturing serial and mass murderers. With full authority from the highest-ranking officials of the FBI in his pocket, the lead special agent and his team are more effective than ever.
Following the wrap-up of a successful investigation, Donaghue is taking a well-earned break at his secluded weekend cabin when an unexpected message reaches him. An old acquaintance is asking him to make contact. Despite his misgivings, the agent calls back, only to be met with hair-raising claims.
Donaghue decides to check out the story and soon finds himself on the road to Kentucky to verify whether there’s any truth to what the informant said. But there’s always the possibility that this is just a trap to settle an old score and lure him into danger.
Upon arrival, Donaghue quickly realizes that the informant's claims might hold more water than he’d expected. As he digs deeper into the case, he discovers that while everyone in town appears friendly, the community is far from united. Secrets are currency, and most residents use what they know to serve their own interests. One thing they all agree on: Here, you’re never alone.
As Donaghue begins his investigation, the killer gets into full swing, picking off victims seemingly at random. But all of Donaghue’s instincts tell him that speed is of the essence, because the Butcher isn’t killing on a whim. He’s got a purpose, and when he’s accomplished it, he’ll vanish without a trace.
