12 year old Joel lives with his father in the cold northern part of Sweden.

At night he often sneaks out of his father's house to look for a lonely dog he has seen from his window.

On the bridge across the icy river he starts a secret society and has adventures.

But one night he discovers that his father's bed is also empty and will have to come terms with his father's new-found love.

The harsh reality of Joel's world comes vividly to life and leaves the reader spellbound.