It's Thanksgiving in Pecan Springs, and China is planning to visit her mother. She's also looking forward to catching up with her friend, game warden Mackenzie "Mack" Chambers. But China discovers that her mum's helper, Sue Ellen - who is in the process of leaving her marriage to the assistant foreman at a large trophy game ranch - is in some serious trouble. Before Sue Ellen can tell China the full story, her car veers off a deserted road and she is killed.