Death sometimes brings together old acquaintances whose paths have parted over the years into lives and relationships that no longer run on adjoining tracks. The possible reasons for the parting of ways are limitless, but if a true bond ever existed between these acquaintances, then the desire to say goodbye in death is sometimes very compelling - almost too compelling for one’s own good.

Sean Logan fled with his mother in the dark of the night to Canada five years ago, when he was just a seventeen-year-old kid not yet graduated from school. The major catastrophe that wrecked their lives also completely smashed any remnants of the long friendship that had existed between Sean and Cal. This friendship has been reduced to Cal's smoldering hatred and Sean's deep-seated, sorrowful anger, the actual cause of which neither ever bothered to explain.

Burying her son Cal at such a devastatingly young age is the most painful day of Lacey Burnham's life. He was all that was left of her small family, and now he's gone. When she collapses and is rescued by Sean, Cal’s childhood friend, the emotions and shock she feels are a strange revelation in the face of the crushed remains of her heart. She never knew what caused the rift between them, but she still sees the little boy to whom she played surrogate mother so many times in his youth. He's now a man, of course, but even the five years of separation can’t hide him from her.

It's the disturbing wave of desire and attraction that washes over Lacey every time Sean is near her that is so bad. This was her son’s friend, her friend’s son, and now a man who is half her age. The connection between them is undeniable, and the amazing healing effect he has on her is like medicine to the soul. But when the spirit of her dead son starts exhibiting violence toward Sean, Lacey knows that something is interfering with his soul finding peace.

The reasons behind Cal and Sean’s split are unknown, but her first loyalty is to her son - and he is sending her written messages. A body in the woods, buried, Sean’s dad… All the pieces are starting to connect, but are they connecting correctly, or is Lacey about to send an innocent man to prison for a murder he never committed? Lacey can only turn to Sean to finally learn the truth about the man her son grew up to be. In all her years of single-parenting, her eyes were closed to truths that were flashing in her face but did not sink in. Now she needs to see and understand her son more clearly than ever to save his soul, save Sean’s life, and save her own.

Cullars delivers a fully explosive, addictively enthralling book. The plot never stops, thrusting and parrying as the reader gets deeper into the unfolding saga and culminating eroticism. The unexpected plot twists keep the energy alive and the finale couldn't be more original, or better. As with most any story line, a few aspects of the conclusion are easy to figure out in advance, but the little unexpected twist that makes it original gives the final oomph to an already wonderfully written work.