In the fall of 1984, twenty-two-year-old Olivia Lawson is thrilled to receive her first high school teaching position. Finally, she can sever all ties with her father, whom she has avoided since adolescence. She's free to start a new life and an exciting career, and she finds an immediate friend in fellow teacher, Marcy Dougan. Unfortunately, family grudges follow Olivia to her new job. Marcy worries about her new friend, especially when Livvy starts receiving threatening letters. It is apparent that the new teacher has a stalker, and she does all she can to keep herself safe. Soon, though, other women fall victim to heinous crimes that are inexplicably linked to her. Olivia fears for her life when the perpetrator's chilling phrase "practice makes perfect" turns to a phrase even more terrifying; "practice makes murder." Someone wants Olivia dead, but who and why? Only when she is at the brink of death does she finally fit the pieces together.