by Laurie R. King
For a 52-year-old woman who hears voices and has attempted suicide three times, moving to a deserted island would seem less than a good idea. But after losing her husband and daughter in a drunk-driving accident, Rae Newborn is gripped by a desire to start over. For her that means rebuilding a burned-down family home on property she has inherited off the coast of Washington State.
But despite the calm that Rae achieves by feeding her "unexpected taste for the physical act of building," she wonders if her mental stability could use a few support beams. Until, that is, she begins uncovering an island mystery that makes her realize that the voices she's hearing may not be in her head after all. Cast Away with a side of Prozac? Hardly. Acclaimed mystery writer King has crafted a labyrinthian tale that is as haunting as it is touching. As Rae pieces together her house and her psyche, she slowly uncovers an extraordinary level of strength and tranquility. Solitude, broken up by some fun visits from a concerned and handsome local, is rarely this enticing. (Bantam, $23.95)
Bottom Line: Moving mystery
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