Cape Cod. 1988. JON MEGQUIRE is at a loss about what to do next. When the guarantor of his bank loan dies, he must find a new way to finance his fledgling construction business. With the encouragement of his family, he turns to a former boarding school schoolmate, NORMAN DENJER as his savior. Norman is a star. He has made it big in the real estate world with a reputation for success in everything he touches.
Norman, however, is far from the savior Jon imagines. As Jon gets entangled in Norman's world, he uncovers a dark underbelly of toxic lies, a real estate Ponzi scheme, and shoddy construction practices. Still, Jon is attracted to Norman's sparkling reputation, and he continues to follow him down a rabbit hole of intriguing events. The novel delves into the complexities of their relationship, exploring themes of friendship, moral dilemmas, and the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition. Jon dreams of a secure future building healthy homes and a thriving business, while Norman envisions a luxurious golf club resort bearing his name. He sees Jon as the key to securing the property Norman covets which unfortunately has been willed to the Wampanoag tribe. Norman is desperate to prevent that from happening. As their dreams collide and truth is lost, Jon must navigate the treacherous waters of trust and betrayal. Norman's ultimate threat to Jon's family drives Jon to the defining confrontation.
Confined Spaces is literary fiction that takes readers on a glittering journey filled with unexpected twists and profound character insights. It explores themes of friendship, moral dilemmas, and the consequences of greed. Paul H. Raymer masterfully weaves a tale of suspense and intrigue, making this novel a must-read for fans of the literary mysteries of William Kent Kruger and Tana French that combine emotional depth with riveting plot lines. The story also examines the nature of confinement, both physical and metaphorical, as Jon faces increasing dangers and moral quandaries. Each revelation propels him deeper into a labyrinth of secrets, testing his resolve and integrity as he fights to break free from the confines that threaten to destroy everything he holds dear.