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Chloe grew up in a large and religiously conservative household in Fayetteville, Arkansas. As she grew up, she helped her mother in taking care of her brothers and sisters. As she approaches thirty, she wonders whether life may have already passed her by, as sisters have gotten married, the house has gotten smaller, but her role as caregiver remains. The day she learns that her parents have picked a suitor to court her leaves her unenthused, as Barnabas doesn't fit the type of man Chloe would prefer to spend her life with. Despite their courtship, Barnabas seems standoffish when discussing his personal life, leaving Chloe and her father troubled. These concerns are multiplied after hearing that Barnabas was previously married, and his wife had died by taking her own life. Chloe decides to investigate her chosen beau and is soon off to San Francisco to find some answers, whether to assuage her doubts or to expose a killer.
A young woman with aspirations of beginning a life of her own hits a fork in the road as she seeks to prove her suitor's sinister behavior in this clever mystery. As the story begins, Chloe is shown as selfless and always reliable in helping her parents maintain their household. While others may have fled the confining situation, Chloe remains the stalwart daughter. The story evolves as the possibility of a relationship with the dubious Barnabas Anderson arises, and his history is scrutinized. The narrative shifts to a most interesting "fish out of water" story as Chloe travels across the country to probe Barnabas' past, while also seeing how the world is outside her tight-knit community in Fayetteville. This is a fun read from start to finish.