The first in a new historical mystery series featuring Dr. Clyde Deacon - Widower Clyde Deacon arrives in 1902 Fairfield, New York, to take up the post of doctor. Regarded with some suspicion by the towns inhabitants because he comes from Tennessee, he was also personal physician to President McKinley at the time of his assassination. A beautiful young actress is found murdered and Deacon is asked by the overworkedtownsheriff to assist him in the case. Gradually he discovers that the inhabitants of Fairfield are not as innocent as they seem.