A mysterious one-armed stranger named John J. Macreedy arrives in the small, isolated desert town of Black Rock, raising suspicion among its wary residents. Macreedy’s unexpected presence and his quiet inquiries into a Japanese-American farmer named Komoko, who once lived in the area, unsettle the townsfolk. The local hotel is reluctant to give him a room, and the sheriff tries to intimidate him into leaving. The tense atmosphere builds as the locals, led by a hostile man named Reno Smith, clearly have something to hide and are determined to prevent Macreedy from discovering the truth.

Despite the mounting danger and repeated threats, Macreedy persists in his quest for information, showcasing both his courage and resourcefulness. His interactions with a few town residents suggest that the secret involving Komoko is something sinister and shameful. As he becomes more entangled in the town's dark secrets, Macreedy must rely on his wits and moral resolve to navigate the hostility and uncover what happened to Komoko. The escalating tension culminates in a confrontation that reveals the depths of the town’s corruption and tests Macreedy’s resolve.