St. Louis Chronicle reporter Camille Preaker returns to her rural hometown of Wind Gap, Mo., to file a story about two missing girls, one of whom was found dead and presumed murdered. The assignment, which reunites Camille with her overbearing mother, Adora, brings back traumatic childhood memories, including the death of her younger sister, Marian, when both were schoolgirls.

Camille searches for clues at the funeral and wake for Wind Gap's latest victim, and clashes with her mother about Camille's presence in the town. Richard finds a surprising way to arrive at a conclusion about the murderer's profile. Camille pays a visit to the working-class home of a young boy who says he witnessed the abduction, and confronts Chief Vickery.

Camille relives a recent tragedy as she struggles to piece together the murders in Wind Gap. Richard grows frustrated with Chief Vickery's assumptions regarding potential suspects. A defiant Amma shows off her wild side to Camille, but Adora admonishes Camille for meddling in the investigation and a town in mourning.