In 1773, September, an ailing John Wetherill-wealthiest man in the south ward of Middlesex County and long-time people's representative in the Provincial General Assembly-is paid a visit on the same day by his younger son, Vincent, and daughter-in-law, Abia, as well as Judge Daniel Cooper and Jacob Ford, Jr., from Morris County. The former pair bear good news-Vincent and Abia are expecting their first child. The latter pair bring bad news-a vicious murder has taken place in Morris County following on the heals of the hanging of a member of a counterfeiting ring. Cooper and Ford seek Wetherill's counsel and assistance in solving the murder. Old John provides both, and sends Vincent to recruit a sleuthing team to investigate and stop the perpetrator before another murder takes place. The cover for this clandestine effort is John Wetherill's insistence on obtaining the best iron water for a tonic recommended by his personal physician. Young Vincent faces many challenges in putting his team together and attempting to get to the bottom of not one murder but a rash of murders. In the process, he and his team must face deadly forces hiding in the mining hills of Morris County-rebellious men commanded by a religious fanatic and a vengeful banditti leader. The violence in the iron hills must be stopped and a murderer must be taken down. Will Vincent Wetherill and his motley team be up to the task? Will Vincent make his father proud-whether he lives or dies?