When flirtatious real estate agent Madeline Maxwell goes missing, her friends figure she's just off on another wild weekend - until Madeline's body washes up on the shore of Lake Michigan. That's when small town reporter Tracy Quinn gets pulled into a murder investigation. It's not all bad. The detective on the case is oddly attractive and seems interested in Tracy - but she's cautious, thinking his attentions are just part of the investigation. Suspicion swirls around the Diamond D Ranch when the handyman there is twice rescued from curious accidents. Clearly something is wrong at the Diamond D - but is there any connection between this controversial new resort and the recent murder? Quite possibly, Tracy holds the clue that will tie it all together. But will she remember it in time - and will anyone listen to her if she does?

Returning from late night revels, small town reporter Tracy Quinn and her detective boyfriend stumble upon a burning farmhouse. A body is discovered inside and the fire is ruled arson. In search of clues, Tracy attends a midnight bonfire where teenagers in Goth attire enact an odd ceremony. Her boyfriend Frank is deer hunting when he takes a bullet - but it doesn't come from a deer rifle. Who is after Frank, and why?  Tracy is at a Christmas party with the village manager when he collapses from cyanide poisoning. In the ensuing investigation, no one can decide just who the intended victim might have been. But it is a casual comment, overheard in the beauty parlor, that sends Tracy racing to a deserted building where she finds the killer holding a gun on her best friend. Will Tracy be able to outwit the shooter... or will she become the next victim?