The Jawbone Railroad, so called for the fast talking of Mr. Harlow, who built his dream on other people’s money, plays a vital role in central Montana’s ranch and mining country in 1902 — and in the mystery of a brutal murder.
T. C. Bruce, newly graduated from law school, rides the Jawbone Railroad from the family ranch in Two Dot, Montana to White Sulphur Springs in hope of meeting a certain young lady. The train is abuzz with the latest gossip: A young woman has been murdered and her mutilated body thrown from the train. Loco, a surly, odious loner has been arrested, and everyone wants him hanged. The judge asks the young lawyer to defend the man. Can T. C.save Loco from the hangman? Should he? Two young women prove to be a distraction for the young attorney, as do the cattle roundups and branding chores on his father's ranch. T. C. has many choices to make before all is said and done.