This is a book in three parts, and each part has a different mood. Part One depicts the life and times of a subset of the population of Key West five decades ago as the main characters meet, form relationships, and get on with their lives. Part One sets the scene. It does not try to be a fast action and adventure piece. There are other books which are rooted in that genre and do it quite well; "The Water's Edge" is not one of those books; it moves from placid environs, through nettling insecurities, and finally to a clash of forces. The action comes in the next two parts. As Part Two begins things seem amiss. One of the characters is secretive; odd and threatening occurrences begin. Menacing characters enter the scene. At the end of Part Two tragedy strikes and this sets the stage for Part Three, which entails retribution, and cat-and-mouse pursuits, circular chases, and a sea chase ensue. Freddy, is an offensive person at the start of the book. He criticizes and mimics everyone and every group. Despite this, he has a widely diverse group of friends who have come to know him and see through his haze of bad jokes and alcohol. They try to reform his bad habits. Please be patient with Freddy. Freddy means well.