Wolves aren't the only predators in Superior National Forest. Citizens of Blue Harbor Minnesota, are in a frenzy, convinced that mythical creatures have abducted a ten-year-old boy. Rookie reporter, Raney Carlson, determined to prove to her dissing ex-husband that she has what it takes to succeed without him, lays out the ludicrous story to her editor. Her heart pounds, not only for the power of the story unfolding before her, but for the enigmatic Kent Ross leading the search and rescue operation.
An indigenous death mask in the boy's image, tied to mythical lore, is found at his separation point, reinforcing local hysteria. While trekking through the Northwoods in search of one of these mythical creatures, the Earth Diver, Carlson learns that Ross' wife, Anna, deserted their marriage five years earlier. Ross found a mask in his wife's image, but thought it nothing more than a peculiar parting-gift. Now the investigation explodes when the masks link the two cases.
Setting the ancient ghost forest ablaze with Raney trapped in it, local bookstore owner, Claire Douglas takes drastic measures to win Ross' affections.