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This story of violence against women revolves around Anna Grace, accused of killing six men, and a young journalist, Iris Jene, who gets the story of a lifetime when called to interview Anna. Set in Iowa during the summer of 1982, the book examines Iris' childhood history, her father's drinking and abuse, her current job as a journalist, and being fired from this position, which is a key component of the story. She meets Anna at her new job, and Anna wants her to write the story about the commune she has developed, the women who live there, and about abuse. Iris is assigned a security officer, Officer Rusty Walker, to protect her after Anna is arrested for homicide and put in jail. There is fear that Anna's supporters could be dangerous.
The book follows the ongoing saga of Anna, Iris, Rus, and the abusive men that Anna has come into contact with and whom she is accused of killing. The author's novel is easy to read, as it is well-written and the chapters are well-maintained. The characters are nicely examined, and their histories help to focus on the exploration of their current lives. The storyline is engaging and keeps the reader wanting more, with surprises along the way. Romance plays a role in the story, and a basic foray into communication issues is also brought forth, as is the value of positive female friendships. The problem of violence against women is the focus of the book and is maintained throughout. Although somewhat predictable, the ending is sweet.