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Childhood sweethearts, Bob and Jill, never let love stand in the way of ambition. After high school, they attend different colleges, marry others, and have successful careers. Thirty years later, both now unattached, they meet again in their small Florida hometown. Finding common ground in their enjoyments—dancing, music, traveling, drinking, and eating—they are soon sharing what appears to be a wonderful life. Soon the two decide to marry. But is this a fatal mistake for Bob? Was the unexpected death of Jill's husband, Randy, actually murder?
When Jill's fits of anger, bouts of loud sobbing, and her continuous accusations of Bob's infidelity lead to domestic violence on several occasions, Bob finally packs up and moves out. Her pleading and vows of undying love, and Bob's obsession with Jill, draw him back again. Even when she has her thug friends beat him unmercifully while she watches, Bob can't seem to bring himself to end the marriage. After yet another reconciliation, the two set off on a vacation to New Orleans. Jill returns alone. She tells their friends that Bob is dead. She refused to answer questions. Where is his body? Did the police investigate? Is Bob really dead?
Kalinke skillfully draws readers into a once-happy-gone-dark relationship between two flawed people. The paradise-like setting, the local music scene, and especially the undercurrent of manipulation by a controlling femme fatal is handled with believable description of human nature. This is an unsettling story with no clear path to solving the mystery. Leaving only one character (who is this person?) with all of Bob's secrets (and he/she's not telling all), the author encourages readers to write their own conclusion. Can you figure out who did what to whom? This engaging drama is worth the reader's effort.