Cameo characters people this gentle mystery, set in the imaginary town of Potterton and centered around its marina. Deaths, kidnapping, rescues and a mild romance weave in and out of the story. At the centre is Kevin, a semi-recluse boatman, whose peaceful evening is rudely interrupted when a female neighbour calls for his assistance in rescuing a drowning child. The child, Sophie, survives her wetting but brings with her a plethora of unanswered conundrums. During their efforts to solve the mysteries she presents, a lasting friendship is formed, an abusive step-father is halted in his attempt to deceive the authorities and a grieving woman is given a second chance.