|
[ Home ]
[ About | Reviews | Search | Submit ]
Gillian Adams, protagonist in four other very fine mysteries, has finally made the commitment. Her mother having died, she has given up her job in the United States and moved to London to live with her lover Edward. There are still concerns she must deal with, but she is happy to be in London even with all the unpacked boxes littering the new apartment. Her oldest and best friend lives in London, Charlotte. Charlotte had been a mercurial, brilliant television producer, enchanting hostess for her husband, and doting mother to Olivia until her husband left her and she began a long process of disintegration and drink. Now that she is in London, Gillian hopes that she might help Charlotte begin her recovery. Much of her depression seems to stem from an accident that happened when Olivia was a teenager. Meanwhile Olivia, her daughter, is a minor film actress and is being stalked by a erratic man named Kevin. She is frightened enough to go to the police but they say there is little they can do until he commits an overt act. It is such a joy to read a literate book. This is written by someone who loves the English language and uses it precisely and meticulously to say exactly what she wants to say. Readers will enjoy the precision and the scholarship associated with the writing. This is not to say that it is dense or complex or difficult to understand. Quite the contrary. It is an exceedingly readable book which keeps your attention engaged right to the very end. The characters are well drawn and carefully explicated. They are three dimensional and none, with the possible exception of Kevin, is all white or all black. Even Kevin, as we see inside his mind, is confused about what is real and what is only his fantasy. Gillian, remembering her motherís death and packing up of all her worldly goods, is nostalgic for life as it had been. Charlotte, crazy, loving, mixed-up Charlotte, is her bridge to that world when she was young and all things seemed possible. Charlotte is a lamentable case. She always wanted so much and she was always sure she did not deserve anything. Olivia is bright and young and all the things Gillian and Olivia are no more. Edward is dependable, usually even-tempered, and a very good policeman. The story is intriguing and pulls the reader in. It was hard for me to stop reading. The suspense was nail-biting and all answers did not unfold until the final pages. The sense of place was especially delightful. I love returning to London and this book transported me completely. Every page took me to a part of the city that I love. Every page reminded me of the good and the bad of what is happening in London. Altogether this is a most enjoyable book and I commend Poisoned Pen Press for making it available to us.
Reviewed by Sally A. Fellows, July 2002
This book has more than one review. Click here to show all.
[ Top ]
QUICK SEARCH:
Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
[ About | Reviews | Search | Submit ]
[ Home ]
| 
