A Fouled Nest

In a starting mix of abrupt confessions, resurfacing memories, and disturbing clues, Venice Webb is left to piece together the incidents that have forever marked his family. __ Venice fled the family nest in Los Gatos, California, as a young man, never understanding the reason for his father's neglect or the other bizarre family dynamics-and knowing he probably never would. Now, some thirty years later, the truth is closing in on him like a freight train at full speed. __ A former firefighter and recovering alcoholic in his mid-fifties, Venice spends his days trying to remain sober and working as a fire-cause investigator for a Seattle-based insurance company. But his daily routine is interrupted by a phone call from his older sister who tells him their father has died. __ Although apathetic about his father, Venice heads back to Los Gatos to help his sister and uncle with funeral arrangements. Before long his bittersweet home­coming turns into a complete life change when he moves back home. This decision allows him to reconnect with his high school girlfriend and exposes more than one dark family secret.