It's 1899, and Caroline Corbett is ready for the twentieth century. She's excited to find work and meet new people—but gets more than expected when a rough-hewn Lowcountry farmer and a small-town doctor both engage her affections. The broad-shouldered, genial farmer is clear about his desires, and he's there for her. The doctor is sophisticated, educated, and obviously the right choice—but sees no reason to dwell on certain realities. In trying to decide between them, Caroline fails to consider the girl Jessie. A young sociopath bent on her own way, Jessie Bell sees very good reasons to dredge up unpleasant realities—and to create new ones. Before long, this South Carolina landscape is riddled with the detritus of her intense jealousies, which have set astonishing and horrifying events into motion.