<p>In these hauntingly beautiful stories of abandonment and vengeance, extreme situations lead to disturbing conclusions. A missionary is sent to a place so distant he finds his God has no power there; a husband abandons his wife as they honeymoon in the South American jungle; a splash of water triggers an explosion of violence; and a boy''s drug-induced transformation leads to cruelty enjoyed and suffered.<br><br>Masterfully written, these are chilling tales from sun-drenched and brutal climes.</p>