As Jan Hardy begins to recover from the wounds of the past, the stage is set for a fine year, with a wedding on the horizon and the appearance of a mysterious Cherokee Indian owner, Bobby Montana, on the scene. Things are looking exciting, until a sudden death throws her world into turmoil . . .

Is the sickness affecting Montana's horses natural, or is there some more sinister explanation? Is the handsome Irish manager Michael Finnegan a gift from the gods or a Trojan horse? And what is the painful secret her father has hidden from her all her life?

Soon, Jan finds not only her personal life but her professional reputation in tatters, as her mistrust of Montana deepens, and her joy at beating her old enemy Virginia Gilbert turns to horror after evidence of doping emerges.

While old rivalries resurface, and old relationships crumble, Jan must find new friends and allies in her fight to clear her name, protect her family, and sort out the inheritance . . .