October, 1929

Times are hard in Whitley, West Virginia, and harder times are just around the corner. But not for William Pitch, as long as he returns to Ward Rock Mountain and gives that creature what he wants. And not for the mayor, or the judge, or the young country doctor, as long as they play along with Pitch.

Earl Peters signed on for two reasons: more money, less stress. And Deputy Sheriff sure sounded a lot better than beat cop. He left the big city for a small mountain community, where the biggest crime is somebody jaywalking across Elm Street, or old lady Travis buying a jar of Henry Walker’s White Lightning.

But soon the young deputy will wish he’d stayed put.

Because Pitch is coming to town, bringing death and despair along for the ride.