Sheriff Jules Clement is not a particularly happy man and he really doesn't care for his job. What he likes is living in the area where he grew up and where several generations of Clements have lived. Despite the area being somewhat remote there is a population of about ten thousand there is plenty of crime to go around. The police are called upon to solve every little glitch in the town including most neighborly disputes involving pets and trash.

Meanwhile there is a serial rapist going around and the women being attacked all seem to have faulty window locks or are themselves failing to lock their windows. This is evil on an ordinary face since the perpetrator is likely a good seemingly solid citizen. A part of a skeleton is found on a nearby property and Jules is kept very busy. He does his job well, even though he grumbles.

There are a myriad of characters to keep track of and for some reason several of them are curmudgeons with nasty streaks so it is hard to warm to them. There is a good resolution and twist to the story. ( )