The story revolves around the mysterious disappearance of Ellie's grandfather, who was a fisherman. His boat is found abandoned, and his fate is unknown. As Ellie and her family try to cope with his disappearance, they uncover secrets about their family history and the town's past.
Ellie, a curious and independent young girl, becomes obsessed with finding out what happened to her grandfather. She delves into her family's past, including her great-grandfather's involvement in the Ku Klux Klan, and the secrets hidden beneath the surface of their seemingly idyllic town.
Through her investigation, Ellie learns about prejudice, racism, and the enduring impact of the past. She also learns about the importance of family, forgiveness, and the power of truth.
The book explores themes of family, grief, loss, secrets, and the complexities of history. It's a poignant and engaging story about a young girl's search for the truth, and her journey of self-discovery.