Abner Marsh has had his wish come true - he has built the Fevre Dream, the finest steamship to sail the Mississippi. Abner hopes to race the boat some day, but his partner is making it hard for him to realise his dreams. Joshua York put up the money for the Fevre Dream, but now rumours have started about his the company he keeps, his odd eating habits and strange hours.

As the Dream sails the great river, it leaves in it's a wake one too many dark tales, forcing Abner to face down the man who made his dreams become reality.