At the Spirit Lamp Inn, newly purchased by Jennet's friend Brent Fowler, a garden renovation turns up human bones buried in the inn's backyard. The discovery rekindles interest in the case of a young woman who disappeared from the inn several decades ago.

In the meantime, the Lakeville Collie Rescue League is faced with a possible lawsuit when the new president places a dog in a forever home without the knowledge of the owner. Jennet finds herself in the unenviable position of trying to placate both the new owner and the original one who is determined to get her dog back, no matter what she has to do.