When someone sets fire to Lincoln High and kills the new principal, chaos threatens to overtake the urban school. Assistant Principal Sally Pearce, hired to help the deceased principal revamp the culture, vows to carry on the mission. In so doing, she locks horns with fellow staff members and faces gang threats, racial tensions, grievances, sexual harassment complaints, and murder.

Sally never dreamed she’d be faced with solving a mystery and returning the school to order. The odds are against her-a woman in a man’s job, a minority in a tough position. Her strong commitment and heart for students bolster her as she meets challenge after challenge. When more troubles occur on campus, Sally realizes she’s trapped in a cycle of violence that must be stopped–NOW.