The underlying theme of this book is trust. Terri and her father have only each other; there is no one else—no mother, no grandparents, and no other relatives. Her father has done a good job of taking care of her and teaching her honesty, dependability, and responsibility.

This is the story of what happens when Terri finds out that their whole life together has been built on lies. Finally she realizes that he took her because he loved her very much and was afraid of losing her. Her love and concern for him is strong enough to bring her back to him in the end. Love and caring constitute another theme.

Besides the two main characters, there is Terri's girlfriend, Shaundra, who helps her unravel the mystery; her father's girlfriend, Nancy, and her young son, Leif; her aunt from California; as well...