The police believe that Tom Kingsmill killed himself by jumping off a bridge but Mike Delvan is convinced he is still alive. To solve this mystery Mike will not only have to excavate the past but examine the fears, prejudices and secrets of the people of his home town, Dalmore. This carefully paced, illuminating novel explores, with sensitivity and humour, the complexity of life in a small town where everyone knows everyone else and where affection and friendship stray towards separation, deception and loss.