A coming-of-age novel in which Susan, a popular and beautiful college freshman, rejects her protective family environment and gradually degenerates into overweight and isolation, as she confronts drugs, her close friend's pregnancy, binge drinking, date rape, abortion, sex-for-grades, and other challenges while experiencing the excitement of her growth as a writer. She laces a climactic choice when her female mentor makes an unanticipated sexual advance toward her, posing the dilemma for Susan of whether submission to the lesbian relationship is necessary to her writing career.

A peaceful gathering of old friends, families and law partners at an isolated fishing club hidden among the primeval pines of East Texas, a sanctuary for purple gallinules, bald eagles, blue herons, bass, crappie and red ears, nutria, alligators and dozens of other species, deteriorates into a cauldron of hate, adultery, pride, ambition, greed, envy, embezzlement, and finally a killing. Jess Funderburg, the local sheriff, is challenged to determine if the death was an accident, or whether one of these sophisticated Dallasites has committed a murder.