A train struck a man lying across the tracks, but the train didn’t kill him. The victim, a homeless vet, was already dead, murdered by a blow to the head. Tony Morrell, a detective on the small-town police force at Auburn, California, must unearth a motive for this bizarre action by the murderer if he ever hopes to solve the case.

As his case progresses, Tony must overcome his arrogant, dogmatic Chief in order to validate his suspicion that a serial killer is torturing and butchering local homeless victims. Little does he realize his journey of pursuit will require him to venture into the one dark place he has never been willing to go. What he finds there transcends his worst nightmare.