The lazy days of June, 1921, are dark ones for baseball fans as the trial of the Chicago "Black Sox" players accused of throwing the 1919 World Series begins. But utility infielder Mickey Rawlings thinks he has something to cheer about--playing for the team that won that series, the Cincinnati Reds. Until he gets embroiled in a mix of conspiracy, lies, and murder that could end his career--and his life.

The year is 1918, a time of mixed blessings for Mickey Rawlings--he's starting for the Cubs and his hitting is at a career high; but his best friend, a rookie named Willie Kaiser, has just been murdered. Now, Mickey's search for answers will take him much further afield than he ever dreamed he'd go--as a ballplayer and as a man.