Set in the mythical small city of Sparta, New York, this story is an exploration of the mysterious conjunction of erotic romance and tragic violence in late 20th century America. When Zoe Kruller, a young wife and mother, is found brutally murdered, the Sparta police target two primary suspects: her estranged husband, Delray Kruller, and her longtime lover, Eddy Diehl. In turn, the Krullers' son, Aaron, and Eddy Diehl's daughter, Krista, become obsessed with one another, each believing the other's father is guilty.