Deputy Marshal Archie Lean has a new job and a strange murder to solve. A young woman has been murdered in a ritualistic fashion bringing to mind the Salem witch trials. She was staked to the ground with a pitchfork which supposedly keeps a witch from rising up to haunt the killer. As Lean begins the investigation he is introduced to Perceval Grey, half Abneki Indian and half white and a brilliant criminalist. Because of community feelings about Indians, the mayor does not want Grey involved but at last consents when Grey suggests releasing all information to the press. Their collaboration leads them on a convoluted trail of murders. Why does the murderer seek to commit such atrocities?

As the story unfolds we meet Helen Prescott, a historical librarian, whose expertise along with that of her uncle and her boss, help the men understand the clues and begin to unfold the mystery surrounding the murders. Many clues come from the past - as far back as the Salem witch trials - while others are more recent. Family tragedies and death are part of the situation. Just when they think they have solved the case, another murder occurs with a kidnapping following. This is a good read with a pair of most unlikely investigators pooling their talents and minds to find the answers. Highly recommended!

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