While trying to navigate the everyday drama of high school, the smart, fearless, 17-year-old Veronica Mars also moonlights as an apprentice private investigator out to solve her wealthy town of Neptune's toughest mysteries. After coming to the aid of the new kid, sophomore Wallace Fennel, who's been duct-taped to the school's flagpole, Veronica ends up incurring the wrath of the thugs who put him there, Eli "Weevil" Navarro and his P.C.H. Biker Boyz. To get Weevil and his gang off her and Wallace's case, Veronica devises an intricate plan that helps some of Weevil's cronies avoid trouble with the law.

Meanwhile, defying her father, Keith Mars, the disgraced former sheriff turned private eye, Veronica pursues a late-night case of adultery against billionaire Jake Kane, only to make an unsettling discovery about her mother, who abandoned Veronica and Keith a year ago.

Veronica investigates possible fraud in the election of student council president at school after Duncan wins, beating a more popular, but less affluent student who promised to eliminate the wealthy students' on-campus perks.

Meanwhile, Logan causes a public relations nightmare for his movie star parents Aaron and Lynn Echolls when footage of him organizing boxing matches between homeless men is posted on the internet and leaked to the media. Later, Veronica and Keith learn that the man who admitted to murdering Lilly is set to be executed, but a second look at crime scene photographs puts his confession in question.

Veronica becomes suspicious when a young pregnant woman who lives in their apartment complex with her volatile boyfriend suddenly disappears; fearing the worst, Keith steps in to help his daughter investigate this case for the girl's estranged parents.

Meanwhile, Logan and Weevil get thrown into detention together after arguing with a teacher, leading the rivals to discover some surprising things in common. Later, while working on an alumni photo project in her journalism class, Veronica is shocked to discover in the '79 yearbook that her mother and Jake Kane were high-school sweethearts.

When a family accuses Veronica of providing a fake ID to their son, now in an alcohol-induced coma, and files suit, the search to find who's really responsible leads Veronica to a clandestine, exclusive organization operating on Neptune High's campus with a possible connection to Duncan.

Meanwhile, Aaron Echolls hires Keith to find out who's been supplying pictures to the tabloids that have humiliated his wife Lynn. Later, Veronica bugs Ms. James' office to eavesdrop on grief counseling sessions, and learns some surprising information about her friends.

When one of Neptune High's haughtier students brings a sexual harassment suit against a favorite teacher, Veronica finds herself pitted against her father when the girl's parents hire Keith to help in their case. Meanwhile, with the tabloids claiming his mom is still alive, Logan turns to Veronica to help him track down the truth. Later, Veronica discovers more unsettling information about Duncan's hidden medical condition.

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.

A series of fire drills leads Veronica to discover that Neptune High has been receiving bomb threats, so she enlists Wallace and Mac's help to investigate classmates who could pose a serious threat to the school, including new student Ben.

Meanwhile, Keith stuns Veronica with the news of who he's been secretly dating. Later, Duncan confronts Veronica about her ongoing investigation into his sister's death.

After the summer fireworks caused by a dangerous confrontation with Lilly Kane's murderer and a surprising visitor at her door, Veronica attempts to settle into "normal" life, complete with a new after-school job and a return to the popular fold at Neptune High, but she gets pulled back into the investigation business when Wallace is kicked off the basketball team for testing positive for drugs.Meanwhile, Keith sits down with reporter Julie Chen to discuss his new book on the Lilly Kane murder, "Big Murder, Small Town." Later, after seeing his father arrested for murder and being charged and tried for murder himself, Logan seeks refuge from the paparazzi and relaxes poolside at the Casablancas mansion with buddies Dick and "Beaver" and their sexy stepmother Kendall.

Veronica helps Keith determine who is haunting a school bus crash victim's parents, currently embroiled in a suit against the school district for negligence.Meanwhile, after Logan asks for help fighting the murder charge against him, Veronica stumbles

After Veronica gets busted for breaking into the school office and ordered in detention to reorganize the school's files, she stumbles on her mother's permanent record and learns that she was suspended for reasons that cause Veronica to further question e

When the profits from the Neptune High Winter Carnival go missing, Veronica finds herself defending Jackie from the condemning teachers and students. Meanwhile, Keith meets with her father, Terrence Cook, after he is accused of playing a role in the bus crash, and Logan initiates a new relationship while Beaver continues an old one.

Veronica begins having dreams involving the dead students from the bus crash, who drop clues along the way. Meanwhile, Logan and Wallace become unlikely lab partners in Mr. Wu's class, and Keith helps Clemmons expose a doctor's scam.

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.

With Keith acting-sheriff, Veronica goes solo on a case involving a local restaurant whose owners are the targets of hate crimes. Meanwhile, Keith is disturbed by the lack of professionalism in his deputies when he orders them to fine bars serving alcohol to underage patrons. Logan throws a birthday party for Parker, and Piz decides to finally confront Veronica about his feelings.

Veronica and Keith follow a new lead, and discover another victim. Matty follows her own instincts, landing herself dangerously close to a killer. Veronica has a tragic epiphany as the clock is ticking.