Mathias Jones's longtime friend Leo Crowley is found dead under a concrete foundation at the Applegate Development in Hamilton, New Hampshire. Bonner Development's unsavory owner Bobby Bonner becomes an immediate suspect because of his activities around the time of Leo's murder. The belligerent attitude of Bonner's construction superintendent Scott Gleason confronts Jones and Cocoa Stefani as they delve into the murder. Dennis Cruchek, who lured Leo out to the site, has disappeared, and Kim Rose, a tall blonde, is seemingly deeply involved in the development. Watching over the development is the pugnacious Red Kroc, a Bonner worker on the site who will pick a fight with anyone. As always District Attorney Herbert Lane tries to block Jones' efforts. Jones finds love with his friend Frannie McShane but needs counseling from Father Gallagher when fate takes a turn for the worse.