Navajo Tribal Policeman Joe Leaphorn must solve a series of crimes; he partners with new deputy, Jim Chee, who is back on the reservation for the first time since he was a child; together they face down evil forces, both earthly and supernatural.

Leaphorn and Chee interview the surviving witness to the Big Rock Motel murders; Chee meets with the coroner; the cause of death remains a mystery; Sgt. Manuelito makes a chilling discovery of her own.

With a major suspect in custody, Leaphorn discovers that there is more to this crime than he would have ever imagined; Manuelito faces her worst fears; Chee must make a choice between his career and his people.