"Is it possible to save a man from himself? Acclaimed novelist John D. MacDonald unfolds the dramatic story of two friends who go their separate ways -- and who may be unable to stop themselves from repeating fatal mistakes. When Mike Rodenska, a former journalist still grieving the loss of his wife, pays his old war buddy Troy Jamison a long overdue visit in Florida, he's shocked at what he finds. Behind the indulgent exterior of Troy's lush beach life -- the parties, the year-round suntans, the shapelywomen, the infectious devil-may-care attitude of Troy and his friends -- Mike senses inevitable disaster. Troy surrendered his life to drink once before. But now his second marriage is failing, his career is in shambles, his stepdaughter is making passesat him, and he seems to be losing his mind. The only question is: Why? His old friend's downfall is one story that Mike feels compelled to investigate -- for Troy's sake, and for his own."--Page 4 of cover