A blend of fiction and biography. It is the author's search for Deirdrie Gartrell who at the age of 17 began an intimate correspondence with the American crime writer Raymond Chandler during the 1950s. The 67 year old American was desperately lonely and had attempted suicide when he received letters from the girl who lived in rural NSW. During his search for Deirdrie and the letters, the author reappraises his own relationships, loyalties and obsessions. The author has written stories and poems which have been published in Australian newspapers and magazines. He is also the author of 'The Romance of the Season'.