Professor Jake Caine is preparing for an archaeological field school at the Waconah site, a prehistoric Native American village where archaeologist Jacklyn Wardell died years before in a boating accident. Jacklyn's mother presents Jake with her daughter's field journal, adamant that her death was no accident.
As the excavation proceeds, troubles arise: trespassers at the dig, strange accidents, a break-in at the lab, and finally murder in an otherwise serene tourish community. Reading Jacklyn's journal, Jake finds himself drawn deeper into the circumstances surrounding her last night alive. His curiosity is piqued further after an ex-sheriff reveals grave doubts about the Wardell case. The police had five suspects, all of whom had solid alibis - or did they? As Jake sifts through the clues, he uncovers evidence suggesting Jacklyn's death was no accident. With his career and life on the line, it's up to Jake to uncover the truth before tragedy strikes again.