A disgraced author. A dead student. A story someone will kill to keep buried.

After a viral scandal and accusations of stalking, novelist Devon Miller retreats to her hometown, hoping to outrun the online hate and the nightmare she’s been living ever since her career imploded. But the quiet coastal town holds darker memories—her sister’s unsolved death, a past she’s buried under years of panic attacks and shame. Now, even in the classroom of the local community college where she’s taken a job, Devon can’t escape the creeping sense that someone is watching—and waiting.

Tessa Hobbs is a bikini barista with a gift for writing—and the book influencer whose scathing review helped destroy Devon’s reputation. When Tessa registers for Devon’s class, it’s to provoke her. Because Tessa has a secret. One that could unlock the truth about what happened all those years ago. And she believes Devon is the only one who can help her write the story. But before Tessa can finish, she’s found dead at the community college.

Devon knows something happened the night Tessa died, but can’t remember the details. And she doesn’t want to. Devon’s afraid she’s every bit as terrible as the online book community believes. But as she processes her trauma, Devon discovers there’s more to the story. And she’s willing to do whatever it takes to change the ending.

Some stories demand to be told—no matter the cost.