In the fourth installment of the award-winning mystery series, Sam Tate comes up against a clever killer with a warped sense of justice.

Five detectives in five states have two things in common. They've all solved serial-killer cases - and they're all dead, victims of an assailant known as the Judge.

As the murderer cuts across the country, the FBI invites Lieutenant Sam Tate to be a part of the investigation. Sam, whose job leaves her feeling desk-bound, is more than willing to accept. She's got a knack for tracking and catching serial killers. Her skill set makes her an asset to the Bureau. It also marks her as a target.