"Following the loss of her husband and son, Helen Cartwright returns to the village of her childhood after living abroad for six decades. Her only wish is to die quickly and without fuss. She retreats into her home on Westminster Crescent, becoming a creature of routine and habit: 'Each day was an impersonation of the one before with only a slight shuffle-as though even for death there is a queue.' Then, one cold winter night, a chance encounter with a mouse sets Helen on a surprising journey."-- Provided by publisher.