Alyzon Whitestarr doesn't take after her musically talented father or her nocturnal, artistic mother. In fact, she's the most normal member of a very eccentric family until the day that an accident leaves her more unique than she ever could have dreamed. When she wakes from a coma after an accident suddenly colours are more vibrant. Her memory is flawless; but strangest of all is Alyzon's sense of smell. She can smell people's feelings, view flashes of their lives and perceive their essences. Her best friend smells of a comforting sea breeze. She registers her father's contentment as the sweet scent of caramelised sugar. With Alyzon's extrasensory perception comes intrigue and danger, as she discovers the dark secrets and hidden ambitions that threaten her family. In the end, being different might be less of a blessing than a curse.