Lily Ellsworth-erect, firm, white-haired, and stylish-is the grand dame of Dowling, Massachusetts, and possesses an iron will and a bottomless purse. When she hires Spenser to investigate her grandson Jared Clarks alleged involvement in a school shooting, Spenser is led into an inquiry that grows more harrowing at every turn. Though seven people were killed in cold blood, and despite Jareds being named as a co-conspirator by the other shooter, Mrs. Ellsworth is convinced of her grandsons innocence. Jareds parents are resigned to his fate, and the boy himself doesnt seem to care whether he goes to prison for a crime he might not have committed.