Over the past five years, eleven girls have vanished from a Catholic school in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. When Gwendolyn, an orphaned outsider, is found dead, hanging from the church bells, Seattle deputy sheriff Jack Gates is sent to investigate. Upon arrival, Jack is frustrated to learn that the local doctor has prematurely examined the body, which has already been removed. Mother Superior assigns Sister Cristina Herrera, a history teacher and secretary, to assist Jack in unraveling the mystery.