A hard-working rancher named Ray Mathews discovers the diary of Betsy Cooper, a settler of the 1880's. Ancient clues in her diary help Ray and his friend Matt Chandler, the local sheriff, to solve a modern-day murder mystery in their town. The sub-plot involves Josh, Ray's young ranch hand, and Millie, Ray's niece, in a budding love affair, which is potentially thwarted by Millie's wealthy, "old money" boyfriend. Flashbacks to Betsy Cooper's days provide romanticized and sometimes disturbing interludes to the modern plot of conspiracy, theft, and murder.