August, 1873: The city of Memphis is in the grip of a Yellow Fever epidemic, bringing quarantine and fear. Luke Williamson, captain of the Edward Smythe, is forced not only to stay in Memphis but on board the ship. That leaves Masey Baldridge and Sally Tyner on shore to investigate the disappearance of monies donated to help the citizens of the city survive. As deadly as the fever is, there's another killer at loose who may prove even more dangerous, striking at random and with no warning. In a city filled with corruption, disease, and panic, Tyner and Baldridge close in on a murderer and a thief, while on board the Edward Smythe, Williamson can only wait and watch - until death begins to stalk the decks.