The snow is blowing and the skiers are freezing. Few brave the cold weather and many remain in the lodge to keep warm. Susan and her friend Anne, who was recently married and separated soon after, are on a week's ski vacation at New Zermatt. Susan starts to worry when Anne, who left for the slopes first, doesn't show up after skiing and remains missing even after the slopes close and no one has seen her since the morning. Susan's parents arrive to provide support and an unexpected meeting brings back difficult war memories for Susan's father, but also brings an opportunity for closure.
Sheriff "Big Jim" Blaine works hard to solve the mystery of Anne's disappearance and the story unfolds with a cast of interesting interrelated characters and interrelated stories.
Written 40 years ago, the Berlin Wall still exists; cell phones do not. Skiers will feel the cold and snow on the ski slopes. Older skiers will remember the "new" metal skis. World War II veterans will visualize the scenes on the front. This compelling murder mystery is an exciting story full of colorful characters and readers will appreciate how it captures a slice of history as well.