Chance Colt, the Sheriff of Santa Cruz County in Arizona, is facing the most daunting case of his career. In quick succession, Chance's loyal dog, two beloved horses, jaguar companion, and lifelong friend and brother-in-arms are murdered. His home, the Sanctuary Ranch, is destroyed by arson, and one of his spirit leaders is attacked and left for dead.

When a person calling himself the Riddler announces that he is the perpetrator of these horrendous crimes through cryptic letters, Chance vows to hunt down the murder and kill him. Chance uses the resources of the sheriff's department to discover clues to the Riddler's identity, but the crafty criminal leaves no evidence at the crime scenes or on the threatening letters he sends to the sheriff.

Ultimately, Chance turns to his spirit guides, one living and one deceased, for help in identifying the man who is terrorizing him and members of his close, diverse family. Once Chance knows who he is dealing with, he challenges the Riddler to an old-fashioned gun battle to settle things once and for all.