Adam Blaine returns to Martha's Vineyard out of duty rather than grief, after his father – bestselling author and celebrated human rights activist Benjamin Blaine – falls to his death near his home in the New England town. Having been estranged from his father for ten years, Adam is surprised to discover himself appointed the executor of his estate; especially as the will disinherits Adam's family, leaving their wealth and home to Ben's recent lover, young actress Carla Pacelli.
In his role as executor of the will, Adam is soon confronted with three possible explanations for his father's death; mysterious in that an active, clear-headed man fell from the one spot on the island he knew better than any other. One is medical: Ben was dying and chose to end his suffering. Another is chemical: a fatal loss of footing brought about by excessive drinking. The last is murder: as, although loved by the American public, Ben Blaine was a cruel tyrant to his family, and the source of much resentment.
Adam's mission – to undo the will and protect his blood, whether innocent or guilty, from charges of murder – will force him to confront his own past, and pull him into a labyrinth of lies, deception and betrayal, at the center of which is his father's beautiful and enigmatic lover.
