Sometimes the ties that bind are also the ties that can break a person. John Cashman lives a double life. By day, he is the prominent owner of a successful factory. By night, he is the caretaker of his invalid and, quite literally, insane sister, Elka. In other words, John Cashman is a very miserable man. However, hope arrives in the form of a new secretary, Kathleen Meredith. Soon, John is in love and begins to envision a future that includes happiness and a family. A future that, perhaps, does not include his sister. Digging to China is a Southern Gothic story of suspense that details what happens when one man's newfound happiness is threatened by secrets that are better left buried. It is the second novel from Louise Corum.