When a prominent Washington D.C. police official is murdered, Alex Cross steps in to investigate but his efforts are impeded by a series of deadly attacks by a vigilante killer who is targeting suspected criminals.

Sheriff's deputy Charlie Hood is transferred to the supposedly quiet desert community of Antelope Valley, only the quietness is shattered one night during a routine call: someone guns down his partner, Terry Laws, in their patrol car. Hood is out to find the killer Wild West style.