MYSTERY

A Final Reckoning

by Susan Moody
Severn House. Nov. 2013. 236p. ISBN 9780727882882. $28.95. M
COPY ISBN
Chantal Frazer's life was upended when her older sister Sabine, who was working as an au pair for a wealthy British family, was murdered in a brutal attack that also claimed three young victims. The children's mother was convicted of the crime and sent to a mental hospital; another child survived and went on to live "normally." Now, two decades later, Chantal is inexplicably drawn back to the haunted home that recently has been transformed into a beautiful boutique hotel. Chantal wants to understand her sister's plight better. Surprisingly, Gavin Vaughn, the survivor, comes back to visit at the hotel's grand opening, along with other key players from that sad page in the home's history. As in all good gothic thrillers, suspicions hover, the house holds clues, and Chantal makes some dangerous choices.
VERDICT Moody's (Losing Nicola) stunningly gothic psychological stand-alone mesmerizes from page one. Bring out your art history notes so you can keep pace with the clues in this intricately structured romantic suspense title. Readers may figure out the real story before the heroine does, but just knowing the endearing Chantal is in danger makes for an addictive read.
Reviewed by Teresa L. Jacobsen , Oct 01, 2013
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

FICTION

The Final Act of Juliette Willoughby
by Lloyd, Ellery
FICTION

A Lovely Lie
by Hendricks, Jaime Lynn
FICTION

Joe Hustle
by Lange, Richard
FICTION

A World of Hurt
by Mejia, Mindy
FICTION

Shades of Mercy
by Borgos, Bruce
FICTION

The Burning
by Castillo, Linda
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?