The year is 1962 and this small west Tennessee town has been turned upside down by a labor strike at its main manufacturing plant. It seems that, as result of the strike, some very serious underworld crime problems have surfaced in Humboldt. A small-town sheriff and small-town chief of police have their hands full dealing with the strike - when the worst happens. One of the principal figures surrounding the labor problems is murdered.
Carson Reno is very familiar with Humboldt - after all, he grew up and went to high school there. But Carson has a successful private investigation business in Memphis and no desire or reason to get involved. However, circumstances pull him into the turmoil and a situation that grows more dangerous every day. By trying to not become involved, he becomes deeply involved - and ultimately the prime suspect for the murder in Humboldt.
