Preface, Chapters 1-6 Summary

Sea Change is a 2005 mystery novel by Robert B. Parker. The author of over 65 books and best known for his novels featuring Boston private investigator Spenser, Parker was awarded the Edgar Grand Master Award in 2002.

In the Preface, as she and a companion are heading back into harbor after a day out on a yacht, a woman identified only as Florence is asked by her companion to check the boat's centerboard. As she stands, the boom swings around and hits her, knocking her overboard. Struggling to the surface, she sees the yacht coming back towards her, and thinks she will be rescued. Instead it picks up speed and hits her, forcing her under, then sails off leaving her to die.

In Chapter 1, Massachusetts Police Chief Jesse Stone and Officer "Suitcase" Simpson arrive at the Dory Bar, where they have...