TAPIOCA FIRE opens when Susan tries to solve the mystery of a missing parent only to uncover a greater crime. Susan was adopted years ago in Thailand. A once-in-a-lifetime career opportunity brings her to Japan for the opening of a new museum. It also gives her the excuse to hop another flight to visit the world of the woman forced to give her away years ago. Susan's quest introduces her to the subculture of the adoption search and reunion movement. There is the detective Susan hires who specializes in adoption reunions and carries a secret of his own. Her journey rocks her marriage to David whose father abandoned the family years ago. Together they explore the rich spirituality behind David's decision not to pursue his own lost parent. Then that secret finds them. But it is as much the story of her adoptive parents who were part of the pioneering generation who adopted internationally. They visit Thailand, a country of precious gems and orphans, convulsed by the struggles for democracy. They join the first generation to have their adult children return overseas to find birth family. Her poignant meeting with her birth mother uncovers a deeper tragedy they will both begin to fight from their very different lives. Beautiful, dangerous, haunting, this quest is Susan's: she discovers the truth behind her relinquishment, sees the life she might have led, and finds a new purpose for her life going forward. Tapioca Fire proves the adage that the most difficult part of a quest is the journey back home.