Murder in Auburn

When diminutive rodeo cowboy Trell Johnson is killed trying to protect a girl from her attacker, the authorities in Auburn try for a quick fix to prevent bad publicity for the rodeo competition.  His friends take matters into their own hands, but the apparent indifference of the police hides corruption in high places.  Detective Mark Wilson survives an attempt on his life and smells a rat when he is given extended "recuperation" leave.  What is the connection between the mysterious death of a local investigative reporter and the personable mayor of the little town?  Why is he trying to oust Chief of Police Markland in such a hurry, and can police and cowboys unravel the mystery before they run out of eye witnesses?