Thursday’s Children: A Frieda Klein Mystery

At the start of French’s stunning fourth mystery featuring psychotherapist Frieda Klein (after 2014’s Waiting for Wednesday), a former classmate of Frieda’s from her hometown of Braxton, Maddie Capel, appears at her London office. Maddie is desperate for help with her troubled 15-year-old daughter, Becky. Frieda, who feels no love for Braxton, reluctantly agrees to see Becky, who divulges that she was raped in her bed by a masked man who whispered: “Don’t think of telling anyone, sweetheart. Nobody will believe you.” This strikes a chord with Frieda, who was the victim of a similar crime in her youth, and when Becky apparently commits suicide, Frieda vows to find justice for them both. This visceral read tackles a sensitive subject with empathy, anger, and grace. A skillfully woven plot and deftly drawn characters complement the central mystery, which engages and satisfies while developing the series arc. Nicci French is the pseudonym for British couple Nicci Gerrard and Sean French. Agent: Joy Harris, Joy Harris Literary Agency. (Mar.)