SFF

Departure

by A.G. Riddle
Harper Voyager. Oct. 2015. 320p. ISBN 9780062431660. $21.99; ebk. ISBN 9780062431677. SF
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A plane on its way from New York to Heathrow crashes in the English countryside. Among the survivors are Harper Lane, a London ghostwriter facing a big decision about her next project, and venture capitalist Nick Stone. The two work together to save those they can, while wondering why no rescuers have appeared on the scene. They soon realize that the crash was no accident and that their fellow passengers know more than they are telling about what happened to the plane, and where—and when—they all are now.
VERDICT An exciting action-packed suspenseful opening (and one that will inevitably remind readers of the TV show Lost) takes a sf turn that unfortunately squanders its promise on a implausible futuristic plotline. Riddle's ("The Origin Mystery" trilogy) novel, which was wildly successful when self-published in 2014, has already been optioned for a film, proving that for some readers the propulsive action is enough to carry the day. Those seeking deeper characterizations will probably want to look elsewhere.
Reviewed by Megan M. McArdle , Oct 15, 2015
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