Nicole learns that her stepfather, whom she hasn't seen in years, suffered a deadly fall down the stairs at the family home and that her estranged mother has been arrested for his murder. As she begins to investigate what happened, she discovers that not everything is as it seems.

Mallory Dearborn is one of the best-selling mystery writers in the market. Against the wishes of her manager Michael, she's decided to end her long-running detective franchise and focus on more personal matters. Desperate for a big payday, Michael takes her prisoner and, convincing the world she's passed away, forces her to write a new, posthumous novel. Now, Mallory will spend the holidays writing her most thrilling story yet: her own escape."