A powerful and insidious new threat has quietly emerged from the chaos of the Internet, undetected by the law enforcement community. It proves to be the perfect companion to real-world criminal activity when manipulated by the mind of a hidden opportunist and murderer bent on revenge. When a teenager entangles himself in a bizarre attempt to murder a sitting judge, honestly believing his role was just part of a big joke, the feds aren't amused. Fortunately, the young man's neighbor happens to be Lt. Louis Harbin, commander of SDPD's Homicide unit. Ethics prevent his direct involvement in the federal investigation, but he has a couple of friends who can look into it... and while they're at it, perhaps they can help explain several recent homicides committed in inexplicable ways.
Debra Ann's relentless pursuit of the truth leads her to a chilling discovery - the challenges are not just online antics but a cover for a nefarious operation orchestrating real-life crimes. With each task linked to a darker purpose, the stakes skyrocket when a seemingly simple prank results in a catastrophic event, claiming innocent lives. Now, the race is on to uncover the mastermind behind Aunt Tik's before more blood is spilled.
Freelance investigative journalist Debra Ann Wynn, her forensic scientist husband Paul, Det. Sgt. Marci Robbins, and Lt. Harbin stretch the limits of conventional investigating techniques as they're drawn into the world of social media and online gaming. What they uncover puts a new spin on what it means to die laughing.