A young boy Danny is found dead on an idyllic beach in the small seaside town of Gracepoint, spurring a major investigation lead by Detective Emmett Carver, who has just arrived in Gracepoint to fill a high position in the town's police force.
Kathy, editor of the town newspaper, informs Ellie of Susan's past. Owen and Renee's investigation into Jack Reinhold's past forces the town to turn against him.
The Solano family continues to grieve under the wake of their son's tragedy. The detectives find disturbing evidence in Chloe's room, while Beth confides in her old friend Paul Coates, now the town minister.
With the investigation in full swing, Mark Solano is brought in for questioning after getting caught in a lie. Then, Gemma reveals a secret to the detectives and Carver interviews Ellie's husband, Tom.
New suspects make the list as the detectives learn that Danny had some secrets of his own. Meanwhile, Detective Carver is also keeping things hidden that could affect his ability to finish the case.