Marshal Matt Fallen and his deputy Elmer Hook have never seen War Smoke so busy before. The town is over-flowing with men and women in their finery gathering in Front Street. It is as if every horse and carriage from miles around the town has arrived for the opening of the recently refurbished saloon into a grand theatre. The Tivoli has become the best theatrical venue outside the Eastern seaboard. Top of the bill is the famed Mezmo, a celebrated illusionist and a man reputed for being able to mesmerize anyone into doing his bidding. A few hours before the show is about to begin, men are being murdered in War Smoke. Matt Fallen is convinced that Mezmo is behind the killings, but, as he tries to get to the root of the problem, more men fall victim to the mysterious assassin. Is Mezmo innocent or guilty? Can Marshal Fallen outwit the Wizard of War Smoke, and discover the truth behind the slayings?