The story is about getting a second chance at life experienced as the beauty of an "Indian summer" with its beautiful autumn colours. But that can only happen after a snap frost - the killing frost!
Peter's Indian wife, Isabella, abandoned him and their two-year-old son, joins her tribe to become the shaman and El Curandera. Her tribe, the Tarahumara, is living in the Sierra Madre, under the drug cartel's murderous rule. Peter returned to Australia with his son, Ron.
Years later, Peter's daughter Mary's husband John, a psychologist, is arrested for abusing female patients. Mary divorces him.
Her mother's death gives Mary a feeling of freedom, but a chilling, killing frost blown into her life - the enduring madness of her ex-husband. Mary inherits a company, Columbus Enterprise. She learns Ron is adopted and must travel to the Cayman Islands. Ron search for his mother.
As a literary editor, Mary travels to the Edinburgh Writers Festival. Here, she meets Oscar, a Swedish aero engineer. Mary invites Oscar to join her on the trip to the Cayman Islands, leading to a lasting love affair. Ron believes Isabella is his mother. Mary is imprisoned and drugged by her ex-husband John, who is involved with the Sonoran Drug Cartel. Ron finds his Indian heritage and his destiny. The showdown with John happens in the Sierra Madre Mountains. Mary bravely faces her tormentor, strengthened by her newfound love.
