This tale is set in a village due east of the Appalachian mountain chain, just below Sugarloaf or Lookout Mountain some forty odd miles from the Capital. The village consists of village houses found throughout the region that abut the town's main street. The village represents the innocence of those who inhabit such places. Geographically, the locale borders along the historic C and O canal. Nestled in the foothills, the surrounding farms tilled since colonial times prove to be a threat to the well being of the community. All of the actions take place within the boundaries of this novel occur in the surrounding countryside. Some of the farm houses served from time to time as headquarters for Gentleman Johnny Burgoyne and J.E.B. Stuart. The first murder victim is discovered by the village priest in the fall. The information surrounding this incident in the chapters that follow is presented to focus on sets of actions that appear small or insignificant to the most discerning observer. These actions serve as rhythmical transitions to actions taking place in a rural setting; a microcosm to those with international far-reaching repercussions. These chapters are shaped to ply the reader with information surrounding the murders, but only in the most cursory manner. What these chapters mask is the description of a way of living. They contain descriptions of or are concerned with sensibilities of the inhabitants living the countryside as did their grandfathers during other times of war. The setting is used as a tranquil backdrop for the unexpected. Periodically disrupted by weather, the seasonal planting and harvesting is really the only productive activity that takes place. This idyllic landscape of rolling farmland that stretches westward beyond to the Blue Ridge is used as a backdrop to a series of horrifying events that shake the very core of the encroaching hunt county society. With this particular series of unexplained murders, the possibility of scandal again looms upon the village as it had a century before during other years of war. The central character is a portrayed as a catalyst who is first to recognize the coming changes to the rural way of life and who then must not accept, but also effectively deal with all of the problems the newly riche bring with them. Despite the fact that the protagonist Margaret Longleaf is the village mayor, she is never privy to critical information. She must work through the information she is given in order to reach a reasonable conclusion. These sets of conclusion are never forced upon the reader. The reader must make the final determination.