Sam Blackman is an angry man. A Chief Warrant Officer in the Criminal Investigation Detachment of the U.S. military, he lost a leg in Iraq, and has been outspoken in his criticism of his medical treatment. Then, ex-marine and fellow amputee Tikima Robertson walks into his hospital room and hints that she has an opportunity for Sam to use his investigative skills—if he can stop feeling sorry for himself. But before she can return, Tikima is murdered, her body found floating in the river.

A journal found in Tikima’s apartment, dated to 1919 and written by a twelve-year-old boy, reveals a ninety-year-old crime that foreshadows Tikima’s death—the murder of her great-great-grandfather, Elijah, whose body was also found in the French Broad River. Sam must delve into Asheville’s rich history to uncover the murderous truth.