William Gold lives a bachelor's life in Philadelphia and his career on the city police force filled most of his life. As a detective, he practiced the early science of forensics, using it every day to solve crimes. Though few had ever heard of the science in the 1890s, it was becoming widely accepted in most eastern cities. From events out of the average persons reach, the Panic of 1893 begins, destroying much of the American economy. Suddenly, the whirlwind starts when William loses his job in the Panic. Then he learns that his father, whom he never knew existed, dies and leaves him an inheritance. Skeptical, he travels to Colorado to take procession of his estate, but what he encounters was nothing what he expected. For William Gold, it's a new town and a whole new life. Through one event after another, as if he had no control, a rapidly transforming life is thrust upon him. The mystery of his childhood, a nine year old girl, the love of a good woman, a murder investigation, and a manhunt, consume his life for the next two years. All the while, he tries desperately to settle into a stable life. In the end, using the science of forensics where few men had ever heard of it, he has to solve the most important murder of his life.