Taper Tilman's interfering ways caused trouble. When he is strangled on the Cumberland River at TUG'S ICE FISHING, there are many suspects. Investigating detectives Lt. Eli James and Sgt. Tori Calhoun track the killer to Cumberland Bluffs, a mountain where the culprit plans to escape. Without much climbing experience, they go up the steep slopes to bring him down for Tilman's murder.