TheplotrevolvesaroundLincolnRaider,whoissuspectedofmurderingsixyoungwomeninasmalltown.Heearnedthemoniker“TheHuntsman”forallegedlyleavingthevictims’heartsindecorativeboxesalongsidepoisonedapples.Withonlyonebodyrecoveredsofar,suspicionweighsheavilyonLincoln.MaxMason,anICUnurse,volunteerstoreadtoLincolnwhilethelatterremainsinacoma.Asthenarrativeprogresses,MaxbecomesLincoln’slive-incaregiveruponhisawakeningdespitetheobjectionsofthenurse’ssisterDarbyAlbright,theleaddetectiveofthecase.ButMaxmayhaveanulteriormotiveformovinginwithLincolnandhisbeautifulwifeJolene,anaccomplishedsculptorandmothertotheirnewbabygirlRosy,amotivethatmayleadtothemostshockingrevelationsyet.