Six years ago, Daniel's older brother, Timon, was killed, presumably in a drug-related crime. Timon had always been in charge, with Daniel as his faithful sidekick. But since his death, Daniel has been concerned that -- because he once failed to carry out a scary errand for Timon -- he may be responsible for Timon's killing.

Now nearly seventeen, Daniel is still trying to find himself and come to terms with all the changes of the last six years. Besides Timon's death, their father -- a charming, irresponsible Irishman -- has left the family for good, and their mother, Lisa, has remarried. Daniel's stepfather, Max, and Max's daughter, Ruby, have moved in with Lisa, Daniel, and old Aunt Jenkins. And then Timon reappears -- to Daniel, to Aunt Jenkins, and also to Ruby. What is Timon now -- alive, dead, or undead?

Daniel must untangle the mystery of Timon's death and the uncertainties of his own life, past and present, in this haunting tale that builds to a gripping climax.