No.1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz is at the peak of his storytelling powers with this major new novel - a rich, multi-layered story that moves back and forth across decades and generations as a gifted musician relates the 'terrible and wonderful' events of his childhood in 1967. this is the story of a boy and a city... Jonah Kirk's childhood has been punctuated by extraordinary moments - like the time a generous stranger helped him realize his dream of learning the piano. Nothing is more important to him than his family and friends, and the electrifying power of music. But now Jonah has a terrifying secret. And it sets him on a collision course with a group of dangerous people who will change his life forever. For one bright morning, a single earth-shattering event will show Jonah that in his city, good is entwined with malice, and sometimes the dark side of humanity triumphs. But it will also teach him that courage and honour are found in the most unexpected places, and the way forward lies buried deep inside the heart. If he can just survive to find it... 'A story of broken families, race, fathers, sons, love and hate, and how these things can bubble in the cauldron of the city. the most gripping thing I've read in a long, long time. You sense you are reading a master still at the peak of his powers.' Matt Haig, author of the Humans