Still Life

December 15, 2008
Casey Marshall has it all: a successful interior-design business; a handsome, loving husband; wonderful friends; and a boatload of family money at her disposal. But just as shes contemplating starting a family, shes the victim of a hit-and-run accident that leaves her in a coma. But shes not completely out of it, so shes a witness to everything that happens in her hospital room. But is that so bad? Isnt it everyones dream to be a fly on the wall, to hear what might be said at ourfunerals? Even though Casey is privy to everyones private remarks and conversations as they visit, she feels trapped and helpless, especially when it becomes abundantly clear that the incident with the car was no accident. Her frustration mounts as her sister, the wayward but bighearted Drew, becomes a suspect, along with everyone close to her. While not narrated in first person, the actionrevolves aroundCaseys experiences and perceptions. Fielding makes the most of this intriguing premise without succumbing to gimmicky plot tricks. The moment that Casey solves her own attempted murder is truly riveting, and the anxiety she feels as she tries to avoid the would-be murderers completion of his task is palpable. A heart-pounding mainstream thriller.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)