Ashley Shields has had a difficult year as a result of her mother's death, the dissolution of her marriage, and being passed up for a promotion at work. So when her sister Jasmine introduces her to The Sisterhood, a women's society, she is fascinated and wants to feel powerful enough to change her life. The Sisterhood, led by the enigmatic and charismatic Desiree, fulfills all of Ashley's expectations. She gets a raise at work, her divorce is settled in her favor, and she feels fulfilled and happy for the first time. But she soon realizes that The Sisterhood's advantages come at a high, and sometimes illegal, cost. Ashley understands she is in over her head when she learns more about The Sisterhood and is forced to participate in its questionable actions, and she must get out-even if it means jeopardizing her friendship with Jasmine or her life.