In early 20th century California, a young woman takes a job as a nanny to a young girl whose mother has recently died. On her way to the rural, secluded home, she meets a neighbor who warns her of the family's reputation. She soon meets the crabby, morbid Mr. Nordon, his awkward son Len, and the aloof Rosalie; who can seemingly animate objects when she is angry.

Lisa Ryder是一个年轻的女警察，最近晋升为侦探，此次她被派往加州的小镇上去追踪一个被警察成为冷面杀手的凶犯，但是最终她发现这个杀人凶手不过是个幻想中的人物.