Cici Patterson's prestigious law firm hosts an annual Christmas Gala that everybody who's anybody in Raleigh, North Carolina is dying to attend until one of the senior partners turns up that way -- dead that is.

When Matthew Paine, a young physician from a family practice in a small town on the outskirts of Raleigh is called from Cici's side at the gala event, he does what he always does and rushes to help but he's unable to revive the senior partner. Suspecting foul play, he summons Homicide Detective Warren Danbury who confirms Matthew's suspicions.

Was it the punch from the party that packed the wallop? As Matthew signs back on as a medical consultant to work with Danbury on the investigation, is he targeted by the murderer or are some "accidents" merely that?

Finding suspects is surprisingly easy, but proving that any of them had anything to do with the murder becomes much more challenging. Kennedy Reynolds is arrogant and he undoubtedly had a beef with the senior partner, though he won't disclose what it was. Aubrey Bartles still harbors an unrequited love for the wife of the murdered senior partner over thirty years later. But which of them is guilty of murdering him?