''Thought-provoking, absorbing, superbly written ... Deirdre Purcell at her best'' Patricia Scanlan

A winter cruise

A winter cruise sounds like a dream come true. But this gift from Grace's ex-husband is less a selfless act and more an effort to keep their highly destructive daughter Leonie away from his new family over the Christmas season.

Despite her reservations, Grace accepts, hoping that a change of scene will be a good thing for herself and Leonie. Though what she really longs for is some time alone, away from her responsibilities as a mother and carer.

The cruise begins

Their cruise holiday has barely begun when Leonie's beauty attracts the attention of Ben, a fellow passenger. But as Ben does his best to get to know Leonie, Grace finds herself developing an unexpected bond with the young novelist, one which awakens feelings in her that she had thought buried forever.

The mystery unfolds

Then, it's discovered that Leonie has gone missing -- and what happens next will change the course of Grace's life...