Though strangers are rare in the town of Yale, and a recent double murder is still unsolved, itinerant actor Michael O'Rear wins over the people of the remote Appalachian village. Intrigued by a legend of hidden money, Michael uses his actor's talents and his gift of hypnotically lyrical gab to win the empathy, and then the hearts, of the three Pettit women: Rachel, alone since her husband Eli left seven years before; her daughter, Sarah; and even her distrusting older sister, Flora. Each woman takes pleasure in Michael, whose charm and wit draw them inexorably into his play of madness.