Patrick Brady has had a rotten winter. After separating with his wife of eight years, he leaves California and returns home to New York's Capital Region. The apartment that his father provides him comes complete with a repugnant downstairs neighbor. Separated from all he's known for the last decade, Patrick needs more in his life than a meager job with the family business. He's looking for a place where he belongs. He agrees to join his father's Lodge and become a Freemason. When his godfather is murdered and his car dumped in the Hudson River, the police enlist Patrick's assistance. He has no lack of suspects or motives. As Patrick searches for the killer, he encounters rivalries and cover-ups, compassion and second chances, a long lost friend, and a second chance at romance. The investigation turns even more serious when Patrick discovers his neighbor has died and the question becomes whether he will be the next victim, or if he'll live long enough to reach his Third Degree.