Ben Helm, crack New York detective, versus an unknown killer who terrorizes the sleepy town of Trevan with a trio of shocking murders.

Who set the mysterious fire that claimed the life of Ben's beautiful cousin? What is the gruesome clue in the grinning faces of the two bodies Ben discovers in the nearby swamp? And why is Ben's own family united against him in a strange conspiracy of silence?

Time runs out fast as Ben finds himself next on the killer's list, and springs his showdown trap in one last-minute desperate gamble.