Vernon Buckingham disappeared in 1969. At the time, all anyone knew was that he had gone on a hunting trip in the Cariboo region and never returned. But when human remains are found in the woods near Quesnel twenty-eight years later, Buckingham's grim fate is finally confirmed.

His case is re-opened, and soon after, Stewart Carlson-one of Buckingham's disgruntled ex-employees-is charged with his murder. Outraged, Carlson insists that he is innocent and hires defence attorney Russell Saunders to represent him in court. Saunders, in turn, calls on private investigator Brent McRae to find out what really happened in 1969.

As McRae interviews Buckingham's family members and professional acquaintances, he discovers that Carlson is not the only person with a grudge against the deceased. From clandestine affairs to a cutthroat company takeover, Buckingham's past is coloured with scandal. The deeper McRae delves into Buckingham's history, the more danger he finds himself in, but with Carlson's trial fast approaching, he cannot stop until he uncovers the true culprit behind Buckingham's death.