The story begins in a flashback four years before the main events, as famous children's author Olivia Lake befriends the aspiring artist Joel, while she comes across the con man Eric Neill.
As Eric's relationship with Olivia grows stronger, he begins to have second thoughts about his original plan.
At the present time, Eric's sister Petra begins her journey to prove her brother's innocence of Olivia's murder; she asks Joel to help her uncover the truth.
The police become increasingly concerned to know the whereabouts of Joel on New Year's Eve, which will help provide answers in Olivia's case.
Things get more complicated, when Eric faces new accusations, while Joel feels that the odds are stacked up against him, as evidence against him becomes more alarming.
Petra's quest to solve the mysterious Mosaic puzzle gets her into more trouble, as she's forced to endure difficulties and face risks.