At the dawn of the 20th century, state-of-the art electronics combine with diet, exercise, and the restorative powers of Pacific beaches and virgin forest at the Healing Sands Sanitarium northwest of Hoquiam, Washington. But not even a sanitarium has a cure for murder. Management sends an urgent telegram to University of Washington electrical engineering Professor Benjamin Bradshaw. A young man has died during an electrotherapeutics session. Was the equipment or the operator at fault? Bradshaw finds no flaws by testing the equipment. Questioning reveals that the spa's director had been secretly treating his son-in-law to cure infertility. Bradshaw is sure this was no accident. This was murder. His only clue is as insubstantial as smoke- to anyone other than an electrical engineer. His only suspects are the spa's staff and guests whose lives- and lies- gradually reveal a sinister tale. Deep undercurrents turn personal, provoking Bradshaw into a decision about the woman he loves and her safety. And then an everyday object provides the key to terrible events and to the person with an unchecked capacity for murder.--From back cover.