John Stella goes to Florida to help in the investigation of the murder of the sister of a good friend in his home of Hamilton, New Hampshire. He gets involved in the corrupt politics of Sarasota and uncovers a plot to kill and then grab the land owned by elderly nursing home residents. Their chosen instrument is a hardened felon they have" sponsored for release from state prison. The conspiracy includes leading politicians, developers and local boosters who are looking to reap large profits from a potential deal to locate an Olympic training facility adjacent to the land they are acquiring. Johnny begins working the case with homicide Detective Sargent Ellie Grasso, with whom he develops an intense personal relationship. After more homicides, they finally identify the conspiritors. In the process, Johnny has several ribs broken and gets beaten over the head a few times. But in the end, they solve the murders and put the bad guys behind bars (some on death row). During this time, Johnny has fallen in love with Sarasota (and Ellie and decides to spend his winters and springs in Sarasota.