Paula turned on the television while she made breakfast; a news bulletin was being broadcast that caught her attention: “Late last night, a local man had reported to police a suspicious person lurking around the neighborhood. After the police arrived and did an investigation, they found the body of a man in his home. Police say the man’s name was Bill Deerfield. We’ll have more information in the next update.” Paula grew numb with disbelief. There had to be a mistake! Everyone loved Bill

A peaceful town is turned upside down as an ax-wielding murderer hunts his victims one by one. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to the killings, and not even the police can figure out a motive. Who is committing these heinous acts? What is the connection between the victims? When Dr. Lewis Tanner arrives back in town after a long absence, he studies each case in turn and believes he knows who the killer is—but how can he?