Tom Stallings, a retired university professor and widower, returns to his small hometown of Eden Valley, Pennsylvania, to spend the Christmas holidays with his three older siblings. While he is there, he renews his relationship with his high school sweetheart, Lisa Stevens, and reunites with his two life-long buddies-one who is now the mayor of Eden and the other who is sheriff. Because of their trusted friendship, they manage to persuade Tom to help out at the police station until their staffing shortage can be resolved. Although Tom has no law enforcement or investigative experience, he quite unexpectedly finds himself becoming personally involved in the disappearance of Susie Carter, an eighteen-year-old local girl and friend of the family. It is a case that evolves into a series of stories based on deception, lies, and secrets, and for each tale the common thread appears to lead Tom back to the old Crick Road Bridge, a favorite swimming hole when he was a teenager.

As the mystery unfolds, Tom must contend with the small-town gossip and fear that causes neighbors to doubt one another and even make false accusations. Additionally, the relationship between Tom and Lisa very quickly develops into a genuine love affair, and he must grapple with dividing his time and attention between his love for Lisa and the unwitting promise he makes to Susie's father that he will find his missing daughter.

Tom knows that every hour is precious as he struggles to unravel the secrets of Crick Road Bridge, and with multiple suspects to choose from, the reader will be kept guessing as to whether Tom will be able to identify the real kidnapper before time runs out and Susie Carter becomes just another cold statistic.