A young boy, Danny Solano, is found dead on an idyllic beach in the small seaside town of Gracepoint, spurring a major investigation lead by detective Emmett Carver, who has just arrived in Gracepoint to fill a high position in the town's police force. That job previously had been promised to detective Ellie Miller, who, in light of the tragedy, must put any resentment aside and work the case with her prickly new boss. Danny's parents, Mark and Beth Solano, and his older sister Chloe, are devastated by the news, which carves a powerfully dark wake through the town as friends become suspects.
The Solano family continues to grieve in the wake of their son's passing. The detectives find disturbing evidence in Chloe's room, while Mark gets caught in a lie of his own. Beth confides in her old friend.
With the investigation in full swing, Mark Solano is brought in for questioning after getting caught in a lie. Then, Gemma reveals a secret to the detectives and Carver interviews Ellie's husband, Tom.
New suspects make the list as the detectives learn that Danny had some secrets of his own. Meanwhile, Detective Carver is also keeping things hidden that could affect his ability to finish the case.
Beth opens up to the past as Jack has to face up to his demon's when things in his personal life become public knowledge.
The town of Gracepoint continues to turn on Jack, but he isn't the only one hiding something. Beth decides to finally confront Gemma.
Detective Miller faces a crisis in her own family that may lead to a new suspect, and Detective Carver has an unexpected visitor at the police station.
Trying to adapt to life without Danny, members of the Solano family head back to work and school, while police bring in Susan Wright for questioning after the local paper digs up some unsettling news about her.
After Detective Carver's heart condition worsens, he has 24 hours before his boss removes him from the case. So he and Miller race against the clock to find out whohuged Danny Solano. Meanwhile, Beth Solano seeks out advice from Paul Coates, and Susan Wright shares a deep secret that no one saw coming.
The Gracepoint cuddle case comes to a close when Detective Emmett Carver and Detective Ellie Miller finally catch Danny's hugger. Season Finale.