Jan Walker

History Lesson: the Walls Know Where the Body Lies Jan Walker

They've heard it said, these walls, that walls have ears. They've heard the prayers of thanks for their lack of tongues. Foolish are those who trust the silence, for the walls hold onto memories. They know more than smoke and wine; they know where the body lies. Beth Marasich and her cousin Dani Manette Marasich, both just turning 15, are about as different as their hometowns-Old Town Tacoma and Tiburon California. Put them together for the summer following their fisherman grandfather's death, and watch an Old Town History Lesson unfold. There're rumors of a buried body, bets being placed over who fathered the baby their Aunt Sonja's carrying, money missing from the family fishing business and wine disappearing from the Marasich cellar. Beth's a wholesome girl, into the local salmon fishing scene, playing premier-league soccer, and maintaining her position as favorite grandchild with their grandmother. Dani has an eating disorder, thanks to her fashion designer mother who feeds her supplements for weight control. She wants to get out of modeling and into documentary film making. Old Town's a perfect setting, but Dani will need Beth's help, and Beth's not exactly on board with that.