A group of Jewish-Islamic adherents with ancient roots, the members of the Dönme sect followed their self-proclaimed prophet, Natan of Flatbush, from Brooklyn to rural Ohio. They lived peacefully, until the murder of Natan's teenage son threw their tight community into turmoil. Journalist Zeke Leger becomes intrigued by the now-concluded case, which his college girlfriend Johanna Franklin had prosecuted. Now Zeke becomes entangled in the conflict between the Dönme, suspicious local citizens, Johanna, and the law—with dangerous implications for his body and his soul.