Mike Anderson, the constable of the isolated Maine island hamlet Little Tall Island, is facing the toughest challenge of his career. Not only is a devastating winter storm bearing down on his community, but it brings with it one Andre Linoge, a sinister stranger. Linoge, who may just be the devil incarnate, has an uncanny knowledge of all of the town's dark secrets, and he uses that knowledge to drive some of the locals to murder and suicide. With each horrific event, Linoge repeats his demand: "Give me what I want and I'll go away." What he wants, however, is more horrifying still.