Es ist Mitternacht in Granite Cove, und außer den Muscheln am Strand hat alles geschlossen. Ein Mord versetzt den verschlafenen Fischerort in New England in Aufruhr, und Rose McNichols, Reporterin der Granite Cove Gazette, wird in den Fall hineingezogen. Wer hat Dr. Vivian Klinger umgebracht, eine Frau, zu vollkommen für eine gewöhnliche Sterbliche? Eine Frau, die alles besaß – außer Sinn für Humor?
Christopher Koski's dad has filed a custody suit. He thinks Chris's mom, his ex, is a poor "role model" for the boy. If Mr. Koski wins his suit, Chris will be forced to live at his grandparents' house in the woods, with skunks, raccoons, a 100 year-old toilet seat and no cable. Chris escapes the pressure by heading to Granite Cove Beach. There he lies in the tall grass outside Mrs. Kirby's cottage. She is a beautiful older woman he first spotted at Save 'n Rave, where he works after school. Chris vows to save Mrs. Kirby and that one day they will be together. In the meantime, his world is about to come crashing down around him . . .