About This Book
L.A. cop Gene Murphy has received shocking news: his younger brother Heath has been killed in a forest fire probably ignited by an arsonist. The Forest Service investigation bogs down, and Murphy, deeply depressed and unable to deal with his anguish, takes it upon himself to see that the arsonist is found and brought to justice. Taking a leave from the police department, he assumes a new identity and seeks a job near the site of the fire.
Murphy quickly finds out that Cedar Valley, a tiny village in the mountains of northeastern California, is much more than just a ranger station town with the usual gas stations and restaurants. The population of loggers, ranchers, and townspeople is rife with bullies, drunks, pranksters, troublemakers, and merrymakers. There is also a single - and beautiful - young woman.
Unknown to Murphy, Nora Jeffers, an employee of Boardman Lumber Company, was in love with Heath. She is also secretly trying to track down his killer. Amidst conflicts with the Forest Service, the sheriff's office, and the untamed locals, the two investigators close in on the truth only to discover that the real problems are just beginning.
What Murphy learns raises issues of vigilantism and morality that he must resolve in order to satisfy his quest for justice. Following the violent climax, Murphy is left to decide on the wisdom of his intervention.
