Archaeologists strive to bring the hidden past into the light of the present. But there are those who prefer to keep the secrets of the past buried—and sometimes they'll kill to keep them that way. Professor Jake Caine is preparing for an archaeological field school at the Waconah site, a prehistoric Native American village where archaeologist Jacklyn Wardell died years before in a boating accident. Jacklyn's mother presents Jake with her daughter's field journal, adamant that her death was no accident. Facing problems over tenure and with his girlfriend Amanda, Jake sees the Waconah dig as his best opportunity toget his professional and personal life on track. As the excavation proceeds,troubles arise: trespassers at the dig, strange accidents, a break-in at the field lab, and finally murder in an otherwise serene tourist community. Reading Jacklyn's journal, Jake finds himself drawn deeper into the circumstances surrounding her last night alive. His curiosity is piqued further after an ex-sheriff reveals grave doubts about the Wardell case. The police had five suspects, all of whom had solid alibis—or did they? As Jake sifts through the clues, he uncovers evidence suggesting Jacklyn's death was no accident. With his career and life on the line, it's up to Jake to uncover the truth before tragedy strikes again.