The Secrets of Sadie Maynard

Andersons newest (after Over the Moon) is a satisfying novel with strong romantic and mystery features. Respected photojournalist Memphis Maynard has returned to her childhood home in Yancey, W.Va., to determine for herself if the black man imprisoned for the murder of her grandmother Sadie, 60 years before, is guilty of the crimeor whether the actual murderer was Cutter Tates wealthy grandfather, Macauley. The people of Yancey shut out Memphis, especially after Jake, slimy media hound and father of her child, blows into town, looking to sensationalize the old murder storyand to get Memphis back. However, shes drawn to Cutter, and soon they both realize that theres a connection between them that neither can fight. The characterizations of Cutter and Memphis are expertly written; the progression of their relationship never takes a backseat to the unfolding mystery, although Memphiss responses to some of Cutters actions is sometimes stereotypical. Anderson weaves in secondary characters and subplotssome of which seem extraneousbut succeeds in aspects pulling all elements of the story together in the end. (May)