Larry Ott and Silas "32" Jones were childhood friends in Mississippi, although their lives were worlds apart. Silas was the only child of a poor, black single mother whereas Larry came from a comfortable white family. Then one day in their teens Larry takes a young woman on a date and she's never seen again. Without evidence or a confession, Larry isn't charged but is ostracized by his community. Silas goes to college on a basketball scholarship and puts Larry out of his mind.
Years later another girl disappears without a trace, but this time Silas is the police officer investigating the crime and Larry's past makes him the prime suspect. Yet Silas knows a secret that could shed light on the case - but only if he's willing to jeopardize his career and standing in the community ...
When I first picked up this book, I thought "Oh no, this was going to be one of those depressing Southern books about a tragic friendship." Luckily it isn't. It's beautifully written, and although it's melancholy in places, the redemptive ending makes it worth it. I love the characters of Silas and Larry, and although I'm sure there won't be a sequel, I would love it if there was.
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