Dying Voices

Wilson's second mystery set in England (after A Little Death) combines strong characterizations and fluid prose to convey the trials of a tormented young woman who is searching for answers concerning her mother's disappearance. In June 1976 Susan Blackstock's kidnapping made the headlines, but her tightfisted and hardhearted husband refused to pay the 10-million ransom. Although the kidnappers were eventually tracked down and convicted, Susan remained missing and was presumed dead. Dodie, Susan's daughter, has tried hard to put the tragedy behind her, but when her mother's body turns up, indicating that she has been dead for only 48 hours, Dodie decides to unearth her family's secrets. In an attempt to find out where her mother had spent the past two decades and why she never tried to contact her, Dodie visits Camoys Hall, the long-neglected family estate. As Dodie rifles through notes and old photos, she's barely aware that someone from her mother's past is watching her and waiting with murder in mind. Wilson's quick humor and snappy, British dialogue will entertain, and a side story involving a romance between Dodie and a gourmet chef is a pleasing touch. Readers who prefer their mysteries more thrilling than thoughtful, however, may find this narrative too deliberately paced and straightforward. (Apr. 10)