Joseph Vaughan's life has been dogged by tragedy.

Growing up in the 50s, his small rural community was shaken by a series of killings of young girls. Barely a teenager himself, Joseph was determined to try to protect his community and classmates from the killer. But despite banding together with his friends as 'The Guardians', he was powerless to prevent more murders - and no one was ever caught.

Ten years later, one of his neighbours is found hanging from a rope, with articles from the dead girls around him, and the killings finally cease. But the past won't stay buried - for it seems that the real murderer still lives and is killing again. And the secret of his identity lies in Joseph's own history...