Mystery writer Charlie McGinley's dream of owning a working ranch in New Mexico turns into a nightmare when he discovers a human skull buried in his front yard. Charlie and BEN FOX--HIS LONG-DEAD Navajo spirit guide--must deal with disappearing bodies, crabby cops and crazed killers, while trying to stay alive long enough to uncover the identity of the mysterious stiff and figure out who planted it in the front yard.