John Riley Hubbard is a young farmer and part-time reporter in a small southern town. After the body of an Arab college student is found near his home, Hubbard reluctantly agrees to cover the grisly story for the local paper. When he discovers there might be a surprising link from this crime to his father's unsolved murder, he becomes obsessed with uncovering the killer's identity. Since he was a child, Hubbard has been haunted by nightmares and suspicions that his father's murderer may be the man closest to him - his wealthy uncle.

As his investigation progresses, he must face mounting threats from an unseen adversary and manage his growing attraction to Maria, a young Latino woman who might be part of the conspiracy.

The White River Killer is an exciting mixture of mystery, romance, and suspense.