Cape Haven is a small, touristy town on the California coast. Its residents have seen heartache, particularly through the Radley family. Thirty years ago, Sissy Radley, was struck and killed by a car driven by Vincent King, her big sister, Star's, boyfriend. Vincent went to prison, got in more trouble there, and has just been released. Star has struggled with the loss of her family, substance abuse and raising two children on her own. Walk, best friend of Vincent, and now chief of the tiny local police department, tries to watch out for Star and her kids, but it's a big job. Star's children are at the heart of the story. Thirteen-year-old Duchess is independent, fierce and totally devoted to her little brother, Robin, who's six. When Star is murdered, both Duchess and Walk find themselves thrust into even more turbulence than they've come to expect. This is likely to be one of the best books of the year. The writing is at once lyrical and gritty. The characters are poignant and alive. Duchess will remind you of other indomitable young ladies, like Mattie Ross in "True Grit" or Addie in "Paper Moon". This is one they'll be talking about.