Locked deep within Jorbie Tenniel is a tremendous rage - and the memory of the tragic boyhood day he challenged his twin brother to a race in the town lake. Driven by jealousy, Jorbie ignored his brother's cries for help in the swirling current and later, to his horror, discovered his body washed ashore. Now, many years later, a voice is commanding him to seek vengeance on the people of St. Max for a murder they didn't commit. As town undertaker, Jorbie does his job well - too well. Little Peter Berringer falls to his death, Lutetia Losee has a stroke, George LeCarre commits suicide while drunk, and many others die suddenly and mysteriously. Compelled by the voice, Jorbie has engineered each disaster and expertly prepares what seems to be the last rites. But are his victims really dead - or are they living through a gruesome agony underground? Helplessly drawn to the stangely moody Jorbie, town outcast Angie Psalter strives to unlock his passion and, ultimately, the dark secret of his past. But each day, as she falls more deeply in love with him, she unwittingly places herself in greater and greater danger - for loving Jorbie can have horrifying consequences.