First published 2005
Gabriel lies dying at twenty, his brief life marked by shame and isolation. A terrible childhood error follows him through every day in his small town, where distant parents offer no comfort and neighbors never forget. Only two companions remain: Surrender, his loyal dog, and Finnigan, the wild boy who shares a secret pact from their youth. When fires begin destroying property across town, Gabriel sees Finnigan's true nature emerge. The arson attacks escalate, and Gabriel understands that his unpredictable friend poses a real threat. As events spiral beyond control, Gabriel must find a way to break free from Finnigan's influence before it destroys what little remains of his world. The bond between the boys, forged in childhood guilt, now demands the ultimate sacrifice.
Genres: fiction, literary-fiction, mystery, contemporary
Vibes: dark, emotional, intimate, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, unreliable-narrator
Setting: Small Town
Period: 20th Century
245 pages · Hardcover · Penguin Group Australia
Content warnings: abuse, mental-illness