Sara and Paul Callaway had hoped the move to "fly-over country" from Boston would be a positive step in their lives. They were going to achieve personal and professional success, as well as have the opportunity to enjoy a special sense of neighborliness within their cul-de-sac.

Instead, from the first night of the move on, the situation starts spinning out of control. On the night of their Christmas party, Paul is arrested for one of the most frightening crimes of which a teacher can be accused -- the suspicion of sexual exploitation of a minor. As horrifying as the accusation is, it represents only the tip of the iceberg of the intrigues within cozy and safe Sycamore Court.

Narrated in a semi-linear fashion through a series of flashbacks, SAFER is more richly textured than the average mystery tale. Doolittle expertly draws the reader in to the hopelessness felt by an "everyman" when confronted by conspiracy and accusations.