The misty swamps and imposing mansions of Tidewater Virginia have long been the scene for stories of mystery and suspense. When Sheriff Ben Day and Ignatius Harder accompany their friend, Matt Murray to James City County Virginia, their holiday is abruptly interrupted when the body of Matt's cousin, Noah is found floating among a bevy of crab pots in the murky waters of the James River. The police determine that he was murdered. However, their investigation is thwarted as a hurricane churning off the coast sets its eye straight for James City County. Matt and friends seek refuge in his cousin's two-hundred year old mansion where ghostly inhabitants and inexplicable happenings are rumored to occur. As the hurricane rages the three men launch their own investiation into Noah's death. In the course of their investigation, they inadvertently lay bare familty secrets, deceit, and treachery--and discover the shocking identity of Noah Murray's murderer.