John Rainbird Jefferies is haunted by visions of a malevolent spirit. Every time the young Maupai tribesman "sees" the creature, a native of tiny Bay Corner, Maryland dies. Local detectives are mystified by the impossible nature of the deaths, but John realizes that sinister forces are at work. He understands the wraith's hateful motivation, as well as its intention to take many more victims. John knows that he must stop the creature that was once his best friend, or die trying.