Before Hurricane Katrina, Desmond Alexander Mathers earned the nick name 'Demon' because of his work ethic; now that he finds himself in his birth town, Demon take on a completely different meaning. He explores the odd dichotomy of this happenstance through his experiences in an environment much different than his adopted home, New Orleans. The Strange Tale of Scruff McGruff is written shortly after the events in The Maiden and the Demon, and reveal much about his character, especially where his relationship with a former lover, Amy, is concerned. He delves deeply into his choices and decisions, with the goal of understand not only how the name Demon applies, but where he is truly headed.

Professional Cook and Hurricane Katrina survivor, Desmond attempts to pull his professional and social life together in a small Southern Virginia city. His attempts only strengthen a belief in his dark Nick-Name: Demon.