House and cat sitting at the posh development of Kamiak Hills is helping Paula Madigan recuperate after the recent death of her domineering husband, Fred, until she and neighbor Ellen Cogsdill uncover a woman?s hand in a sand hazard during a golf game. Then Paula learns that Laurie Shuler, the thirteen-year-old granddaughter she didn?t know existed, is coming to spend the summer. Laurie settles in with ease, but alarms Paula with her interest in the murder.