The wealthy parents of a Neptune High senior hire Keith and Veronica to investigate a cult-like group and its charismatic leader after their son Casey moves out to live on the collective farm. Meanwhile, Veronica attempts to get to the bottom of Abel Koontz' claim that her real father is Jake Kane.

Veronica uncovers information that her fellow outcast Mac was switched at birth with a more affluent student, causing Veronica to examine her own questions about whom her real father may be. Meanwhile, a serial killer has resurfaced in Neptune forcing Sheriff Lamb to forge a reluctant, tense partnership with Keith. Later, Veronica flirts with a handsome young rookie at the sheriff's department to obtain more information on Lilly's murder.

Veronica surprisingly finds herself working as a "love detective" when she's asked to track down her friend Meg's secret admirer and a Russian bride's estranged fiancé.

Meanwhile, after discovering that one of Lynn Echolls' credit cards is in use, Veronica and Logan go to a Los Angeles hotel in hopes of finding her or a clue.

Following an emotional reunion with her mother, Veronica is hired to track down Neptune High's beloved mascot, Polly the Parrot, which was apparently kidnapped by a rival school on the eve of a big basketball game.

Meanwhile, with her suspicions about the Kane family rekindled, Veronica attempts to gain access to her father's original interrogation tapes. Later, Veronica's relationship with Deputy Leo heats up, as does Meg's relationship with Duncan.

Veronica investigates who at school is doing everything possible to distract Sabrina from studying and wreck her grades in an obvious attempt to sabotage her chances at becoming valedictorian.

Meanwhile, an unsavory, rival private investigator makes Keith a business offer. Later, Veronica pursues a risky lead that could discredit Abel Koontz's confession, as Logan stumbles onto her detailed files on everyone connected to Lilly's murder.

When a classmate's boyfriend threatens to post a humiliating video of the girl online if she dumps him, Veronica helps her concoct a scheme to ensure "mutually assured destruction" if he doesn't allow the relationship to end peacefully.

Meanwhile, Keith begins to search for Duncan after his parents post a huge reward for information on his whereabouts. Later, as her secret new relationship heats up, Veronica learns a disturbing new fact about the night that she was drugged and assaulted.

Determined to get to the truth behind who drugged and assaulted her at a party the year before, Veronica questions her friends and many rivals about the chain of events that night at Shelley Pomroy's house. Meanwhile, when one of Veronica and Wallace's stunts affects her job at Kane Software, Alicia confronts Keith about his daughter's behavior. Later, in an attempt to get closer to his son, Aaron throws a birthday party for Logan that inadvertently surprises everyone.

With Aaron Echolls facing trial for Lilly's murder, the previously accused Abel Koontz appears to enlist Veronica's help in finding his missing daughter Amelia, leading to a confrontation with Kane Software's head of security. Meanwhile, Logan is arrested

After discovering the true perpetrator of the bus crash, Veronica is desperate to warn others before it's too late. However, she inadvertently puts herself and her loved ones at risk in the process.

Meanwhile, Keith tracks down Woody in hiding, Wallace leaves for Paris to be with Jackie, and Weevil again runs into trouble with the law.

As the end of the first semester at Hearst College draws to an end, the election for sheriff in Neptune comes to a close and Veronica and Piz discuss the effect a summer apart will have on their relationship.

As Veronica learns more about Nicole's past, her suspicion deepens. A frantic phone call from Paris leads to a search for Matty. Veronica unwittingly does legwork for Leo.