As Thadeus Cochran walks into Newbury he feels peace that he has reached his journey's end, though peace is not an attribute the people of this small Connecticut town will ever associate with his arrival. His very appearance means one thing: someone, soon, will be murdered, and it will be up to him to find the killer. As he meanders the maze, faces fall into his path as if puzzle pieces. Amy Emerson, an attractive widow who reminds him of his own loss, his present longings and possible future. Alba Urbina, a dark soul who is drawn to him and his mission, yet whose blatant sexuality arouse feelings he finds difficult to suppress. Andy Brewer, disgraced minister, who mocks anyone finding faith outside a bottle. Justus McDermett, Resident Trooper and keeper of the town peace, who is not always appreciative of help from outsiders. Fred Birch, owner of Birch Lumber, who seems to have his hands in many lives. Bob Tyner, Fred's partner, whose outer joviality mask the tension that has developed between the two men over the years. Todd Torkelson, owner of the Newbury News, a journalist in the loosest sense, always on the prowl for a good story, accurate or not. When Thadeus sees the familiar sign of death pass over someone's face, his vain attempt to warn them bring a physical altercation and subsequent trip to jail. In his cell the next morning he learns that a different person has died during the night. He sits confused while the town is abuzz with an almost perverse excitement. His reputation as "seer" is building in direct proportion to his weakening faith. When the next night brings another death, he is rattled to the very core of his beliefs. Freed from jail, he continues on his path, though now unsure of his footing. But he knows he must walk on--blindly, in faith--to find the truth behind the two deaths and uncover the murderer in the midst.