The last thing Verity Birdwood wants is a beauty makeover. But when the scrappy TV researcher goes on assignment to a luxurious spa, that's just what she gets. A glimpse of the glamorous retreat's lurid intrigues gives Birdie the creeps - even before she discovers a shocking connection with a serial killer.

When Margot Bell, the spa's icily stylish owner, is grotesquely stabbed to death, and a raging storm traps the occupants of the mansion with a corpse and an unknown murderer, Birdie's sleuthing instincts spring into action. Searching for a motive, she swiftly excavates a trail of torment, treachery, and blackmail. The spa's skillful hairstylist and silent partner, the harassed housekeeper, the hysterical male secretary, and the hunk of a masseur who was the dead woman's lover - all had reason to resent Margot. Then there are the pampered guests, from fat Josie to gaunt Helen, neurotic Belinda to ambitious Edwina - each presenting a possible motive.

As a flood ravages the countryside, Birdie asks herself if Margot's murder was a "copycat killing," or if a demented and practiced slayer is about to strike again. Then a second savage stabbing tells Birdie she must discover the killer's identity before he or she can claim yet another victim.