The quiet town of Mapleton, Colorado has never had a murder – until now. Mapleton Police Chief Gordon Hepler would rather be on the streets than behind a desk dealing, but he promised his late mentor he'd accept the position. But as he struggles with budgets and the town council, doubts creep in, he wonders if he was shoved into the job because his mentor thought he couldn't cut it on the streets. Gordon's fears are realized when his investigation seems to link the Kretzers to a Nazi war criminal. Working with the big–city detective brought in to assist, Gordon balances diplomacy with detective work as he strives to solve the crime without revealing the secrets of his citizens.