When Jim Barron leaves the Fort Madison prison, he plans to confront the man who turned him in--his half-brother, Tim Mathis. But Tim is murdered during a bank robbery in Silver City, New Mexico, and Barron's former employer, the Jensen Detective Agency, wants him to investigate and arrest the guilty parties. Stunned by the news, Barron travels to Silver City and quickly uncovers a devious gang planning to rob the bank again.

He also meets the lovely Rita Lansworth, the pretty owner of the saloon. Her involvement with a local gambler, Carl Lee, and her growing affection for Barron puts added pressure on the bank detective. But his ability to understand the criminal mind and a clever plot cooked up with banker, Lem Turner, gives Barron the upper hand. Or does it? Will he prevent a second robbery? Can he protect Rita? More importantly, can Barron capture the entire gang without getting killed?