The New Yorker's David Nichols is assigned to find out who killed Joe Daigle, a prominent potato farmer in northern Maine's St. John Valley. Teaming up with local reporter Bob Dube, the pair explore various theories circulated by townsfolk and discover the complexities of not only the victim, but The Valley he resided in.

Paul Bouchard is the author of numerous books of fiction and nonfiction including Priya's Choice and A Catholic Marries a Hindu. A retired Army JAG officer, he practices law in the Washington, D.C. area.