New Orleans - 1846 - Jedidiah Lucas was born under a cloud of misfortune. After the Civil War, circumstances force him to leave New Orleans and destiny leads him to Black Water. This quiet, peaceful town, nestled by the woods of Black Water Swamp, has a problem. Their Sin-Eater has died, and they desperately need another to take his place. The leadership of the town sees opportunity when Jedidiah arrives. Manipulation forces the young man to stay, and he is taken in by Paloma Day, an old Gypsy fortune teller whom everyone calls the swamp witch.

Trouble begins with the birth of twin girls and one of them is pronounced dead at birth. But is she? When a lie is told and a secret is kept, hatred, prejudice and the superstitious nature of the town's people bring dire consequence to a young girl with a special ability. When things go terribly wrong in Black Water the blame is placed on Hattie - The Sin-Eater's Daughter.