What hapened to Marie Davenport on the cliff by the sea in Carmel, California? Marie herself cannot be sure if it was real or a figment of her guilt-haunted imagination. Just as she cannot be sure what it might have to do with the death of the husband whom she has betrayed in adultery. Or with that growing fear that Alex Davenport did not die in a boating accident on the French Riviera, but has , incredibly, returned to haunt her life and her love for the man with whom she has found passionate happiness.

Nothing seems to help solve the mystery. Not the power of reason in which she believes, or the answers of religion in which she has no faith. Not the medical knowledge of her doctor lover, who is as bewildered as she, or the investigations of Father Niles, a skeptical spiritual detective in clerical garb. Once again Brian Moore proves himself a master of thrilling suspence and profound moral inquiry. Cold Heaven is a triumph of the storytelling artistry and illuminating imagination of one of the most celebrated novelties in the world today.