When a college student on vacation goes missing in the small gulf coast Florida town of Mangrove Bayou, police chief Troy Adam has to deal with overwhelming press attention, a town council doubtful that he can solve the crime, and a powerful judge. Toss in the usual lesser crimes that keep on coming, and he and his small police force are stretched to their limits. Accused early on of being 'soft and squishy on the inside' Troy proves in the end to be capable of utter ruthlessness. Life is never dull in Mangrove Bayou.