Henry and Carolyn Atkinson and Shelley and Marian Garçon reunite in 9 Down Is Dead in a quest to stop a murderous, crossword-loving, power-hungry businessman. Global Development Technologies appoints Nolan Herbert as acting CEO after the company's founder and CEO Brad Groes goes missing. Herbert holds the position for two years, leaving a trail of once-inquisitive bodies in his wake. When the fourth death occurs, Henry can't help but get involved, his cousin Shelley close behind him. Meanwhile, Groes's only living relative inherits his fortune, falls in love with a white-collar crime lawyer, and ends up in the public eye. Who will be Herbert's next victim? Can anyone stop his murderous rampage?