The DiBiasi family thought that their only problem was to resolve the ultimate ownership of the cabin in Munds Park, Arizona when the parents pass away. The five adult siblings are frustrated about how their parents are trying to settle the issue. That turns out to be the least of the family's problems. Complications arise as one of the in-laws is shot dead, and soon thereafter two dead bodies are uncovered by workers repairing sewer lines near the Coconino National Forest. The lawyer for Emil and Rosemary DiBiasi, Jake Jacoby, proves that he has some interests that are far outside of the law. Millie, a waitress at the Lone Pine Restaurant in Munds Park gives an assist to Detectives Orsen Carter and Wes Mitzer as they explore possible connections of some customers to the crimes. Sleuthing activity spreads to areas of Mesa, Phoenix, and Tempe when it is found that there is a relationship between the two separate crimes, even though they occurred 140 miles apart and little Lake Odell gives up an important clue. A little forest squirrel is an important character in the mystery.