When Ginny and Adam Trustlove arrive on holiday in Italy they have been torn apart by personal tragedy. A boathouse on peaceful Lake Orta is exactly the place to start piecing together their lives. A day later, the silence is broken by the arrival at the main villa of the Sale wealthy, high-flying Marty, his beautiful wife Bea, and their privileged, confident offspring. It doesn't take long for Ginny and Adam to be drawn in, especially when the teenage Pippi introduces a new friend into the circle. For there is something about Zach that seems to loosen old secrets? And create shocking new ones ..