Redemption

Redemption
-by Nancy Geary
322 pages  (July 2003)

 Hold your breath - this book is cunning and dark

Be on your guard and trust your instincts, for things are not always what they appear to be. Such was the case in a seemingly idyllic affluent community, the setting for Nancy Geary’s second novel Redemption - a solid whodunit in the 'old school' style that will keep you guessing until the end. 

When the beautiful, pampered debutante, Hope Lawrence, is found dead the day of her wedding, her visiting cousin Frances Pratt must work with the local police to unravel what is supposedly a clear-cut case of suicide. Little prepares Frances for what she discovers – shameful family secrets, and shrouded goings-on which the community itself is hiding behind its opulent veneer. 

As a seasoned mystery fan, who hankers for a good Hercule Poirot or Sherlock Holmes adventure, I admit to being fastidious over the quality of mysteries that I read. Modern-day thrillers in particular, are usually of little interest to me. However, Geary's suspenseful page-turner is a refreshing exception. While skillfully setting the scene for a most intriguing murder case, Geary weaves the tale so cleverly, it cannot fail to capture the reader almost immediately. The cast of convincing characters, each with a definite skeleton is his/her personal closet, is brought to life with amazing detail yet with an ease that makes them credible.

Everything else aside, Geary’s novel has the added value of being highly readable. It is easy to become enveloped in the plot in just one sitting, pulled along by the delicious suspense and momentum found within its pages. I reached the last chapter of Redemption in few days, complete with accelerating pulse, perspiring hands, and a flurry of speculation. Well done, Geary.

- reviewed for Time Warner books