Abbie's Child

An unknown woman dies giving birth to a boy in the mining camp of Guston, Colo., 1882. That very same day, Abigail Cooprel gives birth to a daughter, who also dies. So Lars, the miner who delivered both children, forms a family with the survivors and keeps the biological truth to himself. Six years later, the boy's real father shows up: Willem Tremain, a dark/brooding/haunted hero who dynamites mountains to pay the Pinkerton agents searching for his long-lost baby. Imagine Will's surprise when the blue-eyed little guy who has won his heart turns out to be his own son. Castle strives for emotional impact with the repeated use of violent verbs. Nowhere outside baseball has slam been used so often. (July)