When a school secretary is found murdered alongside a ditchoutside of Cherokee Crossing, Arkansas, none of the usual scenarios seem tofit. Hick Blackburn, a sheriff more interested in finding justice thankeeping peace, is compelled to construct the last months of her life tounearth what may have led to her death. With the citizens of CherokeeCrossing increasingly suspicious of the boys who found her body, Hick mustbattle the town's narrow-mindedness and quickly find those responsible.As the investigation unfolds, it is clear that everyone has something tohide, including Hick's own family and friends. As age-old lies come tolight, Hick must face the truth that people aren't always what they seem. And to find thekiller, he will learn that having secrets isn't a crime. But thatsome secrets can lead to murder.