No one in Harley Spring's management group is thrilled when the boss sends them to a forest-based team-building retreat. The teamwork turns deadly when Materials Manager Allan Sayers is found at the base of a tree with his head split open. Allan's death leaves Harley with his house and a lot of unanswered questions. The police think the answer is simple, and are ready to arrest her. Her ex-husband Sam appears, threatening to take her stepson Noah away. Harley needs to find out who killed Alan before her entire life falls apart.
Arlene also teaches a group of creative women in the coastal town of Tillamook, Oregon how to make interesting things by wrapping string around two sticks. Supporting Arlene in her writing endeavors are her husband, children and her feline companion Lydia.