1914. Nothing much happens in Peaceful Valley, Montana ... and that's just how Sheriff Lucas Monk likes it. He hasn't had to resort to his fists or sidearm in years. Then the theft of a wooden cigar store Indian sets off a crime wave like nothing Lucas has ever seen. Teenager Charity Axthelm goes missing, and Reba Purvis's housekeeper is poisoned with cyanide Reba is sure was meant for her. It's not long before the first corpse shows up, and it's up to Monk to solve each of the crimes and restore the peace. -- adapted from jacket