A small town in Iowa, the site of a fire that occurred 25 years ago, is paralyzed with fear. There is a killer on the loose, leaving behind bodies and intricate voodoo symbols. The town thought it had had its share of misfortune, but now no one has a clue about the current murders. Psychological profiler Robert Payne agrees to investigate, but what he uncovers hints that not all the past has been burned away. The town is home to some shady characters, all with reasons to sweep the ashes under the rug.

The local psychiatrist leads Payne to some disturbing conclusions. Now they must find the truth before the voodoo curse of the past destroys the present.