When a disturbing postcard arrives at his Atlanta office, Emerson knows he must report it to the NAACP. The postcard, sent by the mysterious Lurleen from Abbotts Creek, Arkansas, depicts yet another lynching.

Emerson agrees to travel to Abbotts Creek to investigate, but he knows doing so poses great risk. Emerson only passes as white, and this Lurleen knows his face.

Emerson knows one day his luck will run out. And when he arrives in Abbotts Creek, he soon discovers that day might have come at last.

"Nelscott is good at conveying the edgy caution that blacks once brought to their movements among white society."

—Houston Chronicle