In the waning years of the Canadian Old West, Buzzard Bill Swanson struggles to step out from under the protective shadow of his now deceased mentor, Fergus MacClaren, the owner of Stonehaven Ranch. The year is 1918, and the ranch's new owner, Charlotte MacClaren, must find a way to operate her father's ranch during a time when women are still relegated to "women's work."Breeding Belgian Draft horses and managing a crew of men is not woman's work, but Charlotte refuses to marry and hand over her inheritance to a husband who may, or may not, be more qualified just to appease others. While Buzzard Bill and Charlotte map out their strategies to overcome society's rules and the strangling effect World War I is putting on their hired hands, the Crown has sent a new veterinarian to Piney Creek to serve his military duties in the vast Alberta wilderness.Doc Spencer has only been in town a few weeks before he uncovers evidence that someone in Piney Creek is poisoning horses. He must figure out who, why, and how before more beautiful horses die.