One barrel of a rifle not cleaned and not noticed for twelve years begins Special Agent Pendergast’s search for the truth. Pendergast’s wife Helen was mauled and killed by a lion while game hunting in Africa. Her death is a tragic accident so everyone believes until Pendergast visits his old home and looks at Helen’s rifle. On viewing the rifle, Pendergast realizes that Helen never had a chance and was the victim of some vicious scheme to kill her.

Lt. Vincent D’Agosta agrees to take a leave of absence from his job on the New York City Police Department in order to assist Pendergast in the investigation. D’Agosta and Laura Hayward have just gotten their relationship back on track and Laura is not happy with Vincent’s decision but makes an effort to be understanding. Before the search for answers is over Laura finds herself drawn into the investigation.

Pendergast must find out what was in Helen’s past that made her such a threat that someone would go to great lengths to plan her murder. Her fascination with the naturalist-painter John James Audubon seems to be the key to the mystery. Pendergast and D’Agosta travel to Africa and all across the south seeking answers.

The truth is finally revealed in a surprising and terrifying way but the cost of the search is high and no one remains untouched including D’Agosta and Hayward.