The Caretaker’s Wife

At the start of this entertaining novel of domestic suspense from Thriller Award winner Zandri (The Detonator), Jonathan Kingsley, a popular mystery writer and decorated Iraqi war veteran, returns home to Albany, N.Y., after serving 20 months in prison for throwing a carpenter through a plate glass window and severely beating him. The carpenter, who was remodeling Jonathan’s house, was also sleeping with his wife, Leslie. Jonathan is stunned to discover that Leslie has moved out, along with their daughter, and taken all his money. He later learns she’s filed for divorce. Dispirited, he reserves a room at Loon Lake Inn in the Adirondacks, where he once stayed long ago and hopes will serve as a quiet place to write. On arrival, Jonathan is greeted by Cora Torchi, the stunning wife of the inn’s unprepossessing owner. Jonathan is instantly drawn to Cora, who resembles Leslie and encourages Jonathan’s advances. Their ensuing affair soon plunges Jonathan into a cauldron of murder and peril involving a motorcycle gang and organized crime. Zandri keeps the reader guessing all the way to the neat ending. James M. Cain fans will find plenty to like. [em]Agent: Chip MacGregor, MacGregory Literary. (Apr.) [/em]