Set in the small town of Bentrock, Montana, in the summer of 1948, the story revolves around twelve-year-old David Hayden, whose life is upended when his family's housekeeper, Marie Little Soldier, falls ill and reveals a dark secret about David's uncle, Frank. As David's father, the town sheriff, investigates the allegations of abuse and murder, the family is torn between loyalty and justice, exposing the deep-seated racism and moral complexities within their community. The novel explores themes of power, corruption, and the loss of innocence as David grapples with the harsh realities of adulthood.
The 12174th greatest book of all time
