Al DeLucia suspects that Abe Cromwell, a childhood bully, is claiming he has DNA proof that they're brothers to dodge arrest for threatening a lawyer in Connecticut. Al returns to his hometown of Sachem Creek from Savannah, more eager to settle an old score in an upcoming kayak race than to help Abe. However, when Al learns that Abe has been swindled out of his farm, he reluctantly agrees to assist. While training for the race, Al discovers the lifeless body of the lawyer Abe had threatened, plunging him into a homicide investigation. When Maxine Brophy, senior investigator at the Blue Palmetto Detective Agency and Al's girlfriend, travels north to assist, their already complicated relationship faces new challenges. Together, they unravel a complex web of lies involving gentrification schemes, ancient maps, and shocking truths about the community. In the end, Al and Max confront the true culprit, bringing closure to the murder mystery while uncovering long-held family secrets and highlighting the resilience of Sachem Creek's community.