Fifteen years have passed since Victor Beasley was beaten to death in Clover Groves. Lea Sumpner disappeared the same year and has not been heard from since. Sheriff Crane finds himself in the uncomfortable position of having these two possible crimes to solve, just as he is preparing for retirement. Corbin and Ella Sumpner are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their seven children and grandchildren for Christmas. All seems well for the Sumpner family. But as usual, with a family of over nine people circumstances change quickly. Not always for the better.