Dave Robicheaux and his ex-partner in Homicide Clete Purcel are in the mountains of Montana for some recuperation, when they become caught up in an investigation into the deaths of a couple of hikers. The investigation leads back to the Wellstones, a powerful oil family headed by the imperious, horribly disfigured Leslie Wellstone and his enigmatic brother Ridley, and Dave is convinced they are hiding a secret. It's only when escaped con Jimmy Dale Greenwood and his former tormentor, prison captain Troyce Nix, arrive in Montana that the pieces of an extraordinary conspiracy begin to fall into place.