An author's murder-suicide sends his childhood friend into the depths of obsession in this "mesmerizing blend of suspense and long-buried family secrets" ( Publishers Weekly, starred review). In his early twenties, Rob Castor won acclaim for his short stories. But that was a dozen years ago. After languishing in a state of creative paralysis, Rob's descent into darkness ended with a violent flourish: he fatally shot his ex-girlfriend—herself a successful writer—before turning the gun on himself. As the media takes hold of this sensational crime, unexpected revelations send shockwaves through Rob's hometown in upstate New York. His childhood best friend Nick Framingham is determined to find some clue that will explain Rob's actions. But as Nick's quest turns increasingly obsessive, he begins to reevaluate his own life and marriage. Soon, a fault line opens up beneath him, one that will end the stable, quiet life he once knew.
