In a brief, panicked moment, Rick mistakes the kindness of an apparent stranger for a threatening act, and inadvertently commits murder. He flees the scene, and tries to keep secret from his family the unfortunate event that has occurred. Little does he know that not only has he killed an innocent man, but the man is the son of Annie, with whom Rick had an intense relationship in his youth.

As Rick and Annie struggle to come to terms with the tragedy, each recalls the life they once led, and pines for a life that never was. This haunting and engaging tale is Mary Soderstrom at her masterful best.

Mary Soderstrom is the author of five previous novels: The Violets of Usambara (2008); After Surfing Ocean Beach (2004); The Words on the Wall, (1998), Endangered Species (1995), which was a finalist for the Hugh MacLennan Prize for Fiction; and The Descent of Andrew McPherson (1977), a finalist for the Books in Canada First Novel Award. Her collections of short stories include Desire Lines: Stories of Love and Geography (2013), The Truth Is (2000) and Finding the Enemy (1997), which was also a finalist for the Hugh MacLennan Prize for Fiction. She is also the author of several works of creative non-fiction, including Green City: People, Nature and Urban Places, a Globe and Mail best book of 2007. Originally from Washington State, she grew up in San Diego before eventually moving to Montreal, which she has made home for decades.

Mary Soderstrom's profile page

"Mary Soderstrom's new novel surfs the seven seas of narrative" -Kim Bourgeois, Montreal Review of Books, Spring/Summer 2004

"This is a thoughtful book, one with a mysterious plot and a dramatic twist. Perfect reading for any beach." -Jacqueline Turner, The Straight, May 27, 2004.

"The novel, which turns on a single accidental misunderstanding, is a haunting tale. A solid summertime read with great plotting, stuff it in your pack, take it to the beach, and get sand all over it." -Andrew Armitage, Owen Sound Sun Times