This winner of the National Book Award for young readers is a classic noir tale set in post World War II America. Everything is about to change for 15-year-old Evie when her step-father Joe returns from fighting in Europe. She and her mother have been living with his mother in New York City. In the time since he has returned, Joe has started a small number of successful stores.

He recently came home and announced that he is going to be taking Evie and her mother down to Florida in order to vacation in Palm Beach for the Autumn. While it is the off-season, Evie, Joe, and her mother Beverly get to really enjoy their stay in a wonderful resort.

While their, Evie meets and falls in love with Peter, a young man who served with Joe in the war. Joe is less-than-thrilled with the arrival of Peter, and it quickly becomes clear that their past is not a warm one. Their difficulty does not prevent Peter from becoming friends with both Evie and Beverly.

Joe and Beverly also befriend another couple who is vacationing at the same time. The Graysons own a successful group of hotels and have such a good time on vacation, that Mr. Grayson approaches Joe to partner up and purchase the resort they are staying in. No one seems to understand why since Joe has no money to contribute, but the agreement would allow Joe to run the hotel and slowly buy into the deal. It is an interesting sub-plot that reveals a dark truth about American society of the time ... one that is often overlooked.

As things become more strained with Peter's presence, though, things go completely out of control. A stormy boat ride for Joe, Peter, and Beverly leads to a dead body and a trial that will forever change Evie's life. The tough thing is that she saw something that will let everyone know what really happened. The question is what she will say when asked.