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The wife of a scientist is missing. Important classified documents are mysteriously gone. And the man presumed guilty, a drifter named Charles Rogers, is the main suspect who is hunted by everyone.
Steve Fraser, a former private investigator, has his curiosity piqued when he spots the familiar name of Charles Rogers in a newspaper article regarding the missing wife, Doris Parker. Remembering the name, Steve recalls when he once met Charles, and their encounter is revealed through his narrative. He believes Charles is innocent. Against the wishes of the Special Agents investigating the case, Steve sets out on his own to find out what happened with the help of private investigator friends. During his investigation, Steve uncovers truths about Robert Parker that bring to light the situation of the missing documents and the fate of Charles Rogers. Rogers is alive, but barely. Trapped in the Sierra Mountains after accepting a shady task given to him by Robert Parker, it's all that Charles can do to stay alive and get back to civilization.
Told in alternating narratives by Steve and Charles, Chris O'Grady's novel weaves together the tale of two men caught in the web of lies from those who've made bad choices and the desperate measures that endanger everyone around them. The symbolism of the wind, both literal and metaphorical, adds layered meaning to the story and enriches the narratives nicely. The more interesting part of O'Grady's novel is told through Charlie's narrative, as he traverses the beautiful but dangerous Sierra Mountains. The suspense is at its highest during those moments when Charlie is fighting for his life, trapped by mysterious hunters trailing him and the impending doom of a forest fire. The simple task that Charlie set out to do turns out to be an endeavor that could mean life or death.