The last person Alice Shipley expected to see since arriving in Tangier with her new husband was Lucy Mason. The two friends haven't spoken in over a year. Perhaps Alice should be happy. She has not adjusted to life in Morocco, too afraid to venture out into the bustling medinas and oppressive heat. Lucy -- always fearless and independent -- helps Alice emerge from her flat and explore the country. But soon a familiar feeling starts to overtake Alice -- she feels controlled and stifled by Lucy at every turn. Then Alice's husband John goes missing, and Alice starts to question everything around her: her relationship with her enigmatic friend, her decision to ever come to Tangier, and her very own state of mind.