In the oldest, storm-soaked streets of New Orleans, sins, shadows, and songs linger where history refuses to die. Danielle Sanders, a struggling scholar, arrives in the Quarter seeking inspiration for her dissertation; but soon she finds herself drawn into a web of secrets older than the city itself. Her hostess, the enigmatic Catherine-Marie Trichet, claims descent from one of the mysterious casket girls, and her home whispers with creaking boards, forbidden doors, and watchful eyes. As a murderer stalks the streets, Danielle's pursuit of knowledge entangles her with a romance both intoxicating and perilous, awakening desires she cannot name and a darkness she cannot escape. In this lush Louisiana gothic tale of love, betrayal, and the terrible bargains demanded to lay to rest the sins of the past, every passion carries a price, and every rose its razor thorn.