John A. and Marguerite E. W. (aliennightbird) reviewed on 5/11/2009 + 40 more book reviews

Despite my doubts, this turned out to be an intreguing, thought-provoking mystery/thriller with good, well-drawn, human characters, a complex plot that, on the surface, involved a young kidnap victum, some old deaths, a family "curse" deeply burried, a young woman, damaged and overcoming consequences of poor choices made earlier in her life, who has gift of observation and discertio and an older sister who is obsessed with mothering. But the story goes much deeper. Ultimately, forgiveness (including self forgiveness) and acountablity is the theme.

What I like perhaps the most is the author's compassionate treatment of mental illness. That certainly is not the case in most thriller or myster novels. The usual format is the mentally ill person is an evil, sadistic phsycho who, even if he could have drawn sympathy because of his or her horrific abusive upbring, is so despicable that the reader can feel nothing but disgust. Usually, the reader is also lead by the nose to that feeling through the sleuth/victum's reactions and thoughts. There is no room left for any other feeling.

This book not only shows the struggles (including ethical) of a mentally ill person through his (or her) thoughts, but it shows that all people with neuosises are evil.

Good story overall. It is fast-paced and well written. I would recommend it.

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