When successful architect Philip Ross first meets Grace Falco, his best friend Mitch's fiancee, he thinks 'trashy Manhattan trophy wife'. Grace is everything he dislikes in a woman - overdressed, under-fed and out of control. But when Mitch commits suicide, leaving Grace impoverished, Philip's feelings towards her start to change - much to the dismay of his girlfriend, Poppy Adams. Angry and hurt at being pushed out of Philip's life, Poppy acts on a growing suspicion that Grace Falco is not who she says she is. Aided by P. T. Marvel, a sympathetic private investigator who has his own personal reasons for getting involved, Poppy begins a dark journey into Grace Falco's past and unearths a treacherous secret that someone is prepared to kill to protect. The more she finds out about Grace the more Poppy becomes afraid for Philip's safety. But is it her ex-boyfriend's life she should be worrying about - or her own?