"That was the second time in my life death lied to me. I wanted it to lie to me just once more."

Neviah has seen the Other Side since she was a child, a dark world trapped somewhere between past and present where shadowy creatures ominously keep watch. Though she uses her connection with the supernatural to build a thriving counseling practice, she is racked with guilt over a professional decision that landed a former client, Martha, into protective custody almost ten years ago. When a little boy arrives alone at her clinic with a letter identifying himself as Martha's son, Neviah has a chance to redeem herself. Having suffered enough loss for one lifetime, Neviah must locate the boy's mother before time runs out and she loses the chance to right her wrongs once and for all—and before the shadowy creatures that have plagued her since childhood do more damage to her loved ones than they already have.

Birds in the Black Water is dark, paranormal drama at its best. Van Dusen isn't afraid to cross genre lines as she explores the intersection of mental health, maternal instinct, and grief.