Still recuperating from her father's death and her mother's recovery from alcohol addiction, geologist and amateur sleuth Emily "Em" Hansen is out of work and unhappily whiling away her time on her family's Wyoming ranch. So when her former boss, oil millionaire J.C. Menken, asks Em for help—and offers to find her a job if she does—she has no choice but to accept.

J.C. wife Miriam died a mysterious death—and his teenaged daughter Cecelia was the only witness. But a traumatized Cecelia can't remember anything about the incident, and can't seem to get on with her life. J.C. wants Em to help his daughter get back on track—but will he want to hear the shocking truths that Em uncovers about his deceased wife and the real reason for her untimely death?