The early 22nd century is a time of geo-political turmoil, with nations buckling under the disastrous impacts of the climate crisis. America has lost control of its southwest to masses of refugees fleeing the overwhelming heat that has destroyed the Central American nations. Internally displaced Americans flee their own torrid southern states and the flooded coastlines. Many of them find refuge in their northern neighbour, Canada. But patience is running out as Canadians struggle to cope with the influx of their southern neighbours.
On the streets of Toronto, the body of a nameless old woman is found. Detective Chris Ryder is called upon to solve her murder, but is soon forced to work with his FBI counterpart, Emily Mason. Their investigation will lead them into the depths of the American refugee camp on the Toronto islands. There, they must confront the leader of an extremist religious cult with ties to the highest levels of the American government.
As the murder is solved, a nation falls. But Ryder is determined to make it rise again.