Graduate student Tracy Reynolds can't wait to start her new job as an assistant to James Baxter, the chair of Eastern Arizona University's archaeological department. Leaving her big-city life behind, she joins an archaeological team to unearth ancient sites on an Indian reservation in Juniper Junction, Arizona. After she uncovers a burial site containing traditional pottery and a turquoise ornament unlike any previously found from the time period, Tracy realizes that someone in camp is tampering with the sites to alter scientific records . but why?

Moreover, someone is stealing valuable gems mined on the reservation. Could the culprit be one of the dig's team members? The possible suspects include the internationally hailed Baxter, his glamorous wife, Julia, the amorous Bill Hamilton, the affable Snakeskin Sommerville, the camp physician Woody Morgan, the caustic Diana Freeman, and the geologist Greg Delgado.

Handsome and intelligent, Greg is a perfectionist at his job. It's not long before Tracy finds herself inexorably drawn to him; but her feelings begin to interfere in her quest to find answers. As the mystery surrounding her deepens, Tracy is not sure whom to trust. Fact and legend blend together, leading Tracy through a twisted maze toward a truth that will challenge her greatest fears .