Robert B. Parker, the author of this novel, wrote the Spenser series for adults.
The novel begins with Jason, a high school student, overhearing a conversation between two adults that indicates they are involved in some type of crime. He is not sure what the crime is and he really doesn’t have a chance to figure it out as his body washes up on the beach the next day.
Another student, Terry, who is interested in becoming a boxer does not believe the story that Jason’s death is somehow tied to him using steroids. Terry enlists the help of a girl, Abby, to spy on the high school principal and Mrs. Trent. This leads to the two young characters being threatened and harassed. Terry’s character grows as a person as the book progresses.
