When a Chinese Immigrant stands trial for the murder of a beautiful young woman, Judge Daniel Barr knows the legal deck is stacked against the defendant.

Not only was the victim the teenage granddaughter of a U.S. senator and billionaire San Francisco industrialist but the accused — who speaks little English — seems to have no idea what is happening to him. Even his court appointed attorney is incompetent. Although Barr believes an innocent man is standing trial, he soon realizes that a conviction is likely.

The ominous suggestion that the killer is a jury member sends shivers down Barr's spine. Afraid to trust the police he looks into the case with the help of Vietnam veteran turned private eye and uncovers a vicious tangle of deadly lies and dark family secrets that threaten not only the integrity of the justice system, but Barr's own life.