When a giant sperm whale washes up on the local beach and tells Joe Gunner that death will follow him wherever he goes. Joe knows that the place he needs to go is back home. Having stormed out two years ago, it wont be easy, nor will returning to the river alongside the house where words ripple beneath the muddy black water washing up all sorts of memories and disturbing prophesies. Joe turns to his sister, Birdee, the only person who has ever listened. But she cant help him, she drowned two years earlier, even though he still talks to her as if she never went away. Then theres Tim Fysh. A local fisherman and longtime lover. But reviving their bond is not without trouble. He tells himself that the whales prediction is wrong. But the river is relentless.