When Dead Detective Seamus is asked to investigate the death of wealthy businessman William Dunbar, he's more than willing. Seamus finds the Afterlife pleasant but a little boring and looks forward to chances to return to Life and learn why murder victims died and who is responsible.

This time there's an additional request: Will he take a detective-in-training along? Reluctantly he meets Mildred, who seems charming if a little headstrong. They agree to work the case together, with Seamus in full command.

Suspects for Dunbar's murder include his family and staff, notably his beloved grandson Bud, who was with him when he fell from a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. There's chemistry between Bud and Scarlet, a household employee, and Seamus wonders why they work so hard to keep it hidden. To his disgust, Mildred focuses on Dunbar's adopted granddaughter Brodie, a problem child devastated by the death of her beloved "Gramps." Brodie thinks no one on earth cares about her now, and Mildred insists she alone can convince Brodie to go on. Seamus is irritated with Millie's disregard for the rules of non-interference with the living and with himself for ignoring his instincts about her. If a disembodied spirit had the capability, he'd kick himself for bringing her along.

Despite Mildred's well-meant efforts, which create both humor and trouble, Seamus continues the investigation.

Events soon spin out of control. A kidnapping leads to a desperate chase toward the Straits of Mackinac, where Brody and Bud find themselves in peril on the Mackinac Bridge.

Will Mildred become a lost soul? Will Brodie find the will to survive? Can Seamus help his host defeat the killer, or does his presence make things worse? Nothing is certain except the dire possibility that more innocent people will end up dead for the money.