In the aftermath of a direct hurricane strike on Vero Beach, Florida, Will and Betsy Black discover the body of one of Will's colleagues, David Tressler, in his office. As far as the authorities are concerned, it is a storm related casualty but Will and Betsy are not convinced. As the people in the City of Vero Beach begin to sort through the debris, live without electrical power, take cold showers, eat canned food and drink warm drinks, these experiences test tempers and human foibles rise to the point of actual humor. Against this backdrop of inconvenience and frustration, Will and Betsy, along with their friends Guy and Penny Walsh decide to become amateur sleuths to uncover the truth about Dave Tressler's death. Since they are not able to work as a result of hurricane damage to their offices, they have time to devote to the investigation.