It all starts when Matthew observes a heroic scene in a convenience store: A man named Murdoch puts himself between an abusive father and his son. Matt is determined to get to know this man. And when, amazingly, Murdoch begins dating Matt's mother, it seems as if life may become peaceful for the first time. Matt and his sisters have never before known a moment of peace in a household ruled by their unpredictable, vicious mother. And so, after Murdoch inevitably breaks up with her and the short period of family calm is over, Matt sees that he needs to take action. He refuses to let his family remain at risk. Can he call upon his hero, Murdoch? And if not, what might his desperation lead him to do?
A thought-provoking exploration of self-reliance and the nature of evil and a heart-wrenching portrait of a family in crisis, this is Nancy Werlin's most compulsively readable novel yet.
“Guaranteed to leave readers breathlessly turning the pages.”—Booklist, starred review
“Werlin tackles [this topic] with grace and insight.”—School Library Journal, starred review
“A heartbreaking tale of abuse and love . . . . Beautifully framed.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“The plot moves swiftly and unrelentlessly….”—VOYA highlight
