"Jim Otis, ex-police chief in the peaceful hamlet of Hercules, Wisconsin is puzzled by a rash of hate crimes in town. The culprit appears to be amiable recluse, Norman Klinghofer, who lives atop a historic wooded promontory known locally as Bastard's Bluff. Otis doubts Norman's guilt but can't prove his hunch. When Norman is identified as the robber of a local bank, the plot thickens and the FBI intervenes. Otis is dragged into the mess when his insouciant daughter, Natalie, becomes the defender of the Klinghofer compound. Otis must solve the mystery not only for the sake of Norman Klinghofer and local peace, but to protect a daughter endangered by federal "troops.""--