Thomas Pesche was born in a German enclave in Mexico where he lived with his family until the age of 17. Growing up, he endures a love-hate relationship with his cantankerous grandfather, Wilhelm Pesche, an ex Nazi Youth director. Over time, Thom senses that he is being left out of many family secrets. Through his journey into manhood, he struggles to find his own identity and attempts to learn the truth about his family. He even becomes embroiled in various Nazi escapades. After high school, Thom and his best friend decide to cross the Mexican border into Texas to attend college. While there, Thom meets Jesse Browne, a 20-year-old African-American basketball player, who teaches him how to live in a more societal world-apart from an enclave. During a university investigation, Jesse is contacted by the FBI and asked to protect Thom from a Nazi cell encroachment. Over time, Thom unearths many of the family's clandestine secrets including their real German name, Weber. Thom eventually earns a doctorate, meets the love of his life, and moves to Germany to start a family. Filled with unexpected twists and turns, Shadows & Fireflies, with its pinpoint historical accuracy, takes you through Thom's long journey-from his involvement with the Nazis, through his struggles with family deception, and finally on his quest for the ultimate truth.