Fire Chief Jack Sullivan is about to die a hideous death—and he knows it.
After two years of pursuing a serial arsonist he himself named “the Chessman,” Jack is horrified to find himself at the vengeful hands of the infamous maniac. As the realization of his impending demise strikes, cold dread washes over Jack. He will die, like so many before him, engulfed in the flames sparked by this demented killer. But worse than death itself is the Chessman’s terrifying threat in Jack’s final moments.

The Chessman’s next target—Jack’s daughter, Katie.
With one worthy opponent out of his way, the Chessman proceeds to the next. Arson investigator Katie Sullivan represents a threat to the Chessman’s favorite game. Determined to bring her down, the crazed arsonist first challenges her to a deadly game of chess. Facing her father’s murderer, Katie realizes she must make a crucial move to exact justice—and to survive.

Who will win? Who will die? The clock is ticking, and the game is on.