Freelance journalist Eric Dundston stumbles onto the story of a lifetime when he turns up at the site of an attempted suicide. Former astronaut George Chang is threatening to jump from the roof of a hotel on Boylston Street; when Eric finagles his way onto the roof, he learns that the man has asked to speak to a reporter. Eric joins him on the ledge where George gives him a cryptic message before jumping to his death, leaving Eric to ferret out the story tied to the now-abandoned International Space Station.

The telling of the tale alternates between articles written by ethical journalist Eric Dundston and the unfolding of the narrative. While astute readers will figure out the secret long before its reveal, Eric's dogged determination will keep those pages turning. Nuanced characters, a strong sense of place, and a realistic plot work together to create an intriguing premise and an important message.

Highly recommended. ( )