The Chumash are American Indians who live in California. When an unscrupulous property developer starts building new homes in Coyote Canyon, the Chumash become angry – the development is located on their ancient cemetery.

During the night of the Fourth of July celebrations a mysterious American Indian warrior appears and a murder is committed. Suspicion falls immediately on the Chumash, but four young people – Michelle, Bill, Nick and Pam – investigate further and find that the truth is rather more complicated…