The Sisters of Blue Mountain

In Katchur’s uneven sophomore effort (after 2015’s The Secrets of Lake Road), the mass death of snow geese threatens the livelihood of Linnet, who operates a bed and breakfast, the Snow Goose, in scenic Mountain Springs, Pa. Linnet’s father, a retired ornithologist, wants to investigate, but because of his worsening dementia, a young university professor is tasked with the job instead. When the professor is found dead near the B and B, Linnet’s father is arrested for his murder. The arrivals of Linnet’s estranged sister, Myna, and reporter Jake Mann—who has his own connection to Mountain Springs and a dark secret that the sisters share—complicate the situation. Clichés sometimes replace genuine emotional depth, especially in scenes between Linnet and Myna, and their characters aren’t developed enough to carry the story. Readers who appreciate tales of family tensions with hopeful resolutions will be most rewarded. Agent: Carly Watters, P.S. Literary Agency. (Apr.)