Love Lies Slain

With the proficiency of a seasoned writer, first-time novelist Blackmur weaves a romantic mystery filled with breathtaking suspense and intriguing characters. After young journalist Galen Shaw accidentally encounters aging, reclusive painter H. L. Baugh, they become close friends. Baugh, a wealthy Brahmin, invites Galen to visit his mansion in rustic western Massachusetts; she winds up staying indefinitely to help write his autobiography. Her enthusiasm wavers, however, as she comes to know Baugh's family, especially his son Julian, who regards Galen with open dislike. Two years earlier, Julian's wife and his married brother, Colin, were, presumably, running away together when they died in a suspicious private plane crash; now, Colin's predatory widow is pursuing Julian. He eventually warms to Galen and makes romantic overtures. Initially Galen reciprocates, but after some peculiar events, she begins to suspect that charming Julian is highly dangerous. Her efforts to investigate plunge her into life-threatening situations, and Blackmur keeps the tension escalating until the novel's gripping conclusion. (Nov.)