For several years, time and circumstance have managed to separate Hallie Knight and her former college roommate Susan Trench. But when Susan disappears from her grandfather's beautiful seaside home, it is Hallie whom he calls for help. He knows that if anyone can find Susan it will be her closest friend.
When Hallie arrives from California, she finds the old man surrounded by an odd collection of friends and relatives, all of whom seem to know a little more about Susan Trench and her last days on Topsail Island than they're willing to tell. And as Hallie struggles with her own estrangement from a husband she loves, questions build to the pitch of what may be a fearful answer.