The Rowan

Bunn (Forbidden) puts a cosmic sci-fi twist on the Norse lore about the mystical power of rowan trees in this brisk and impressive novel. Investigative journalist Val Garnier is struggling to kick her drug habit when she’s hired by her politically powerful friend, Carlton Riffkind, to investigate why U.S. Vice President Terrance Dale’s daughter, a heavy partier, suddenly straightened out after a mysterious trip to a remote Russian island. Other individuals who made the same trip also report feeling “cleansed” of their alcoholism, drug abuse, and mental illness. When Val heads to the island herself, she witnesses a bizarre ritual in which a beautiful glowing rowan tree extends golden tendrils that envelop visitors. Things get weirder when her guide, Bernard, contacts her back stateside, convincing her that she is the key to a cosmic connection brought about by the rowan tree that ties together Riffkind, Dale, and others through dark energy and a “psychic resonance” with the universe. As Val digs into just what that means, she must dodge attacks from fiendish CIA deputy chief of operations Agnes Pendalon. Bunn keeps the suspense high, delivering fascinating sci-fi concepts, flawed but determined characters, and some shocking revelations. This is one to savor. Agent: Chip MacGregor, MacGregor & Luedeke. (July)