The story begins when Troxel Chapman, a retired judge, finds the body of Jim Howard, a suspected drug dealer, at the bottom of the cliffs known as the End Of The World Rocks, on the Elk River in rural West Virginia. Lee Riffle, the new sheriff and a former defense attorney from Charleston, has his first major crime to investigate. After an infamous criminal he defended killed again, Lee wants a career change and an opportunity to atone for his role. Lee and his deputy quickly determine the death is a homicide, and a suspect is identified: Bobby Miller, whose wife was stolen by Howard. But his little brother Jody inexplicably confesses to the crime. Other factors cast doubt on Jody’s guilt, including the behavior of Bobby’s trashy ex, Eva Miller, who is seen with Elizabeth Johnson, the daughter of Greg Johnson, a respected patriarch and owner of the local drugstore. His investigation brings to light Lee’s unfamiliarity with the people he is tasked to serve. However, clues (and advice) given him by an anonymous source, as well as by other locals, belie dark secrets under the veneer of who seem to be simple country folks. Lee earns his redemption when the true killer is revealed in a tense confrontation at the top of the End of the World Rocks. Through this experience he gains insight into the tragedy and the challenges faced by the people of rural West Virginia, fueled by economic hardship and an epidemic of drug abuse.
