When the familiar and seemingly safe turns lethal, therein danger lies. Amid aforest where the shades of the dead linger all around, every homesteader knowsto follow the Simple Rules: "Don’t kindle flame, don’t shed the blood ofanother, don’t run at night. These things draw shades." Silence Montane hasbroken all three rules on more than one occasion. And to protect her familyfrom a murderous gang with high bounties on their heads, Silence will breakevery rule again, at the risk of becoming a shade herself.