His victims are young, beautiful and viciously mutilated. He calls himself the Beijing Ripper.

And the media and terror-sticken public are demanding his arrest. Now Li Yan, the head of Beijing's serious crime squad, has been put in the spotlight. But he can't stop the Beijing Ripper alone.

American pathologist Margaret Campbell is invited to perform an autopsy on one of the victims and her results send shockwaves through the investigation. Then Li begins receiving personal letters from the killer, and his life and career start falling apart. Li needs to uncover the Ripper's identity if he is to save himself and his family.

Li Yan and Margaret Campbell find themselves facing an unscrupulous foe who could prove to be their deadliest enemy yet.