The protagonists see one another only on Elderhostel trips. Their relationship is renewed each journey with poetic gusto. They can't run or swim or row endless miles. Faced with peril, they get sensibly scared. Jim is a semi-retired physical therapist and Dodee is an artist.
Environmental information is introduced with accuracy and advocacy, but without evangelism.
Tension is built with skill and without the obvious. One really does suspect the wrong person up to the final near-deadly moment. And on the heels of life-threatening events, Jim and Dodee speak of love. I, personally, like books that have an effect on me, and which present serious concerns.