Gabe Farrow, an American recruited as an investigator for the British museum, becomes an undercover artisan in the North Sea fishing village of Staithes, in the Moors of Yorkshire. Under the guise of a newcomer, Gabe's mission is to intercept the theft of ancient Viking hoards buried beneath the dales, and to recover the artifacts for the museum. As particles of a thousand year old longboat surface, the search zeroes in on finding a golden arrow of King Hardrada, considered buried in Roxby Beck.

Gabe becomes entwined in a complex relationship with a suspect, Jarvis Turner. Deceived by a smokescreen of pilfering in the moors' underground mines, he welcomes the help of a clever, village boy, wiser than his years. Young Troy becomes his guide and lookout man, and Gabe's interest grows toward a beautiful woman, who supports him in his mission.

A ruse by the thieves deters Gabe, and he resorts to strengths of the village, knowing the risks to those who have become close to him.

The Sentinel in the Moors is a mystery, inspired by a search for history, with twists and turns throughout. It's a test of the loyalty of an entire village, choosing the love of friends and family, and following what is right.

"Children see and hear things that most adults overlook."