What starts out as a humdrum tale of a smug, worldly college professor and an off-the-wall student takes a sudden twist into murder and mental torture in this fine novel from the author of The Night Bus
(2000). Jason "Lars" Larson, Victorian literature prof at a prestigious Connecticut university, considers his brilliant mind and easy charm an irresistible combination that makes his dalliances with female students without need of excuse. Beautiful wife Emma, well aware of his wanderings, has grown accustomed to his mood swings as his relationships come and go. Until Lars's involvement with Iris Weed, however, she'd never once doubted his love for her. Too late Lars realizes he's out of control and the uncertainty of with whom and where Iris's other interests lie becomes of burning importance. When Iris's bloody body is found in a nearby park, Lars compounds lie upon lie and is soon beyond the point of no return. The information he's withheld so long will have to remain his secret—Iris's diary may help find her killer, but it can also shed light on the uglier side of one Jason Larson. While the police eye him as their prime suspect, Lars delves into his own investigation, unwittingly making himself, Emma and their daughter the target of a psychopath whose very existence is unknown to all but him. Law sucker-punches her readers with this superbly written thriller. The initially quiet narrative inexorably picks up speed and steamrolls into a riveting conclusion that will have hungry fans in line for her next serving of murder magnificent. (Jan. 11)
