In this sequel to the novel, Southern Gospel, the residents of Truman County are forced to deal with the fallout from a sensational murder. The fact that the victim is one of the most prominent citizens of the county is shocking enough but when an arrest is made for the crime, its an even bigger surprise. As is to be expected, speculation abounds concerning motive and method. A wide variety of the county population, ranging from teenagers to senior citizens, becomes involved in the investigation and subsequent trial which is not a typical one even by Truman County standards. Against this background, Old Man Teke Thomas and Vern L. Upshaw two well-known Truman County men - are forced to deal with problems of their own, problems that in their own way will have great effects on the general welfare of Truman County. And, as was shown in Southern Gospel, Old Man Teke and Vern L. have their own unique approaches to the solutions of those problems.