The small town of Black Otter Bay, on Minnesota's North Shore, is being haunted by a sinister presence lurking in the forest behind town. When the body of a hiker shows up, Sheriff Marlon Fastwater is called in to investigate and soon finds himself involved with the Native American legend of the Manitou--the Trickster--and the mystique of a half Native Canadian/half French man who lives in the woods and holds true the ancient mystical beliefs of his elders. When the much-anticipated night of the Halloween Dance finally arrives, most of the major characters in town, including Gitch, the sheriff's faithful dog, become involved in the night of terror. A fast-paced pursuit leads to a chilling ending set against the immensity of Lake Superior.