Jennifer Frost finds her sister's bludgeoned body on their private fog-shrouded Beastly Island. The only clue to the murder is the disappearance of a signed first edition of Raymond Chandler's The Big Sleep. As a specialist in the rare book business, Jennifer appraises a millionaire's collection, which leads to new clues. A stranger, an old boat builder, her new boyfriend and her ex-fiance lead her to the killer. Each new discovery triggers another murder, and puts Jennifer and her beloved Newfoundland dog Lydia in jeopardy to be the next victims.