Dede Montgomery's deep connection to the land and curiosity about early Oregon inform her writing. She delves into the complex journeys of forgiveness, reconciliation, and gratitude, drawing from personal experiences and the region's history. Her narratives explore the human relationships and stories that have shaped the landscape and its inhabitants. Montgomery's work offers a profound exploration of the past and its enduring resonance in the present.
The narrative weaves together memories and reflections on Dede Montgomery and her extraordinary mother, exploring how their lives were shaped by the unique circumstances and generational influences surrounding them. This intimate portrayal delves into the complexities of their relationship and the broader context of their experiences, offering a rich tapestry of personal and familial history.
Set against the backdrop of Astoria, Oregon, this collection of linked short stories weaves together the lives of familiar characters from a previous novel alongside new ones, all intertwined by a central murder mystery. The narrative explores themes of connection and community through the perspectives of an elderly mother and son, a police officer and their spouse, a childhood friend, a counselor, and a bystander, revealing how their lives intersect amidst the coastal setting and its haunting atmosphere.