Detective Charles Alogrin is an unusual man. While investigating a murder on the street in West Philadelphia he falls in love with the victim’s wife. He also suspects a Catholic Priest, Henry Gallagher of committing the murder. Through his investigation he notices a string of murders with similar details. The Polica brass thwart Alogrin’s investigation of the priest. No priest has ever been indited ot tried for murder in the history of Philadelphia. Alogrin discovers that many of the victim on his list are members of a secret catholic society, Opus Dei. Opus Dei is connected either directly or indirectly to murder victims. Father Gallagher surrenders a weapon, given to him by a parishioner. Alogrin discovers the weapon was used in a past crime but the Father claims many of his flock surrender weapons to him instead of borrowing problems with the police. Alogrin’s investigation heats up. More victims accumulate. Witnesses to murder are silenced. To Alogrin all evidence points to Gallagher but no one will help him in his pursuit of the murderer.