When a body is discovered at the lake in Paradise, Police Chief Jesse Stone is surprised to find he recognizes the murder victim from his AA meeting. But otherwise, Jesse has no clue as to the man's identity. He isn't a local, nor does any neighboring state have a reported missing person matching the man's description. Their single lead is from a taxi company that recalls dropping off thenstranger outside the gate at the mansion of one of the wealthiest families in town... Meanwhile, after Jesse survives a hail of gunfire on his home, he wonders if it could be related to the mysterious murder. When both Molly Crane and Suitcase Simpson also become targets, it's clear someone has an axe to grind against the entire Paradise Police Department.