Penhale Wood

June 1, 2017

Despite making Christmas plans with his brother, DCI Robert McIntyre is feeling despondent. His girlfriend of ten years has moved out, and her first novel is a hit in Britain. But his holiday is interrupted when Iris Flynn shows up on his doorstep. A year earlier, Iris's three-year-old daughter, Sophie, was kidnapped and murdered. Now, Iris has flown in from Australia and wants McIntyre, the investigating officer then, to reopen the case and find the killer. Although he can't grasp the grief of the shattered mother, McIntyre agrees to talk to a psychic who "saw" the killer. A drawing and a photo of the suspect precipitate events that have tragic consequences. VERDICT This strong, character-driven novel is suspenseful with unexpected twists. Thomas (The English Boys) skillfully uses the emotional pain of the main characters to advance the story. Fans of Catriona McPherson's stand-alones may appreciate this stirring book.--LH

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