Jerome Kobayashi planted every cherry tree in his Flathead Lake orchard with his own hands. His wife's ashes are buried there. His roots go deep in the land. For years, he's turned down all offers to buy it.

But now someone won't take no for an answer.

When Mr. K's house is destroyed by arson, a body burned beyond recognition is found in the basement. Suspicion falls on Mr. K, who has secrets tracing back centuries to Japanese legend and lore.

His granddaughter asks for help from intrepid investigator Tawny Lindholm and her charismatic lawyer-husband Tillman Rosenbaum.

The truth is tangled in roots deeper and more twisted than the cherry tree.