1950: The rusting hulk of a steam locomotive is raised from the depths of a Montana lake. Inside are three bodies, bloody clue to a fortune lost for over forty years . . . 1906: For two years, banks across the western United States have been living in terror of the 'Butcher Bandit'. This cold-blooded bank robber empties safes and murders all witness, vanishing without trace. In desperation, the US government calls in Isaac Bell, best detective in the country. From Arizona to Colorado to the streets of San Francisco during the great quake, Bell uses all his guile and ingenuity to catch up with the murderous Bandit. But when Bell has him almost cornered - the Bandit turns really nasty. Suddenly the stakes have changed. Bell isn't just battling to get his man. He's fighting for his very survival.