Story takes place over a span of years and a lot happens before Jack Packard and 'Doc" Long show up, or is explained after they make their entrance: A girl marries against the wishes of her parents, the parents argue about it, the father is killed, the girl loses her mind, and the mother goes away and pretends to be dead. Years later, the daughter of the insane woman (she had gotten married, and pregnant)returns to the old family homestead, and is not welcomed with open arms, as this family has several closets containing skeletons...from around the world.