All Bobby Steele wants in life is some respect for his rock band-and to put his hometown of Savannah, Georgia on the map of cities renowned for their live music scene. But just when it looks as if this dream may be one step closer to reality, a killer strikes in the nearby gambling town of Salt Island.

The murderer, dubbed the 'Salt Island Slasher' by the local media, toys with investigators by leaving mysterious messages in his victims' throats. Bobby's lifelong friend and sailing partner, Jim Ferguson, uses his family connections with the local newspaper to obtain the contents of these supposedly top-secret messages. Bobby is the only one who can glean anything meaningful from the strange words, and time is rapidly running out for him to prevent the next victim's agonizing demise.

The two friends use their wits and sailing skills to deal with a persistent enemy from the past as they work together to prevent the Salt Island Slasher from striking again.