Book summary

First Johnny Merrimon's twin sister had been kidnapped. Then his father ran off, leaving his beautiful mother wasting away and vulnerable to the men who have always admired her. The vacant look in his mother's eyes and the lack of action from the local authorities leaves the 13-year-old no option other than to find his dear sister himself--since he is the only one who believes she is still alive. But there is no way Johnny, or anyone in his quiet southern hometown, could be prepared for the brutal secrets he uncovers as he scours the countryside on his bicycle.

Media reviews

"Not that we needed any further proof, but Hart once again demonstrates that he is a remarkable storyteller....[He] produces a novel that is elegant, haunting, and memorable." (starred review)