Most serial killers don't shoot their victims twice in the face with a Glock. Most don't strike five times in two weeks. And most choose their prey for a reason, not randomly. The detectives of the 87th Precinct are stumped by a serial killer who doesn't fit the profile. A blind violinist taking a smoke break, a cosmetics sales rep cooking an omelet in her kitchen, a college professor trudging home from class, a priest contemplating retirement in the rectory garden, an old woman walking her dog - these are the seemingly chance targets. Their only similarity seems to be age; all are just over 50. Now Steve Carella and his colleagues must learn what else - or who else - the victims had in common before another body is found.