Nightshade — Stanley R. Moore

The peace of a rural town is shattered by a surge of sudden, seemingly natural deaths. A small boy is first to discover why and flees for his life into a hostile forest. He is tracked by a shrewd deputy sheriff with troubles of his own.

As the deputy closes in he comes under increasing attack. A group of young African-American orphans is isolated and must fight for survival, armed only with their wits. A passionate doctor with her own agenda joins the grieving deputy and in a deadly confrontation they find that deliverance depends on an unusual flowering plant.

"Highly recommended..." -- Midwest Book Review