July 15, 2019
Set in Ireland, this captivating thriller from Edgar finalist Howard (The Liar’s Girl) tracks several people whose lives collide with deadly results. Dubliner Natalie O’Connor Kerr, a blogger, suspects her husband, Mike Kerr, of having an affair, which he denies. Natalie sets off for a holiday hotel near Cork, Shanamore Cottages, where she has reason to believe Mike’s trysts occur, leaving a note on her blog saying she’s taking a few days off. Her friends start to worry when a week passes and no one hears from her. Dublin journalist Audrey, who works for an online gossip magazine, figures out that Natalie went to Shanamore and travels there herself. That Shanamore’s owner has shameful secrets and a dark past complicates Audrey’s quest. Meanwhile, Mike’s having spent a night at a small Dublin hotel when his apartment had no hot water has unforeseen consequences. The suspense rises when it becomes clear that a mystery woman has been following Natalie. Astute readers will have fun picking up clues as to what’s really going on. Fans of expertly crafted whodunits will be rewarded. Agent: Jane Gregory, Gregory & Company (U.K.).