Cambio Bay

Wilhelm ( Children of the Wind ) once again builds a world of wonder from the prosaic as she assembles several strangers at Luisa's Guest House in the California coastal town of Cambio Bay. Among those sheltered by proprietor Luisa Ravel are young and poor Iris Lathan, on the run with her deaf and dumb five-year-old daughter Bonnie, and drug kingpin Stuart Wellington, who is convinced the child can destroy him. Guests who become caught up in an attempt to save the Lathans include tough real estate agent Carolyn Engleman, lawyer Boise Wilkes, who is fleeing family tragedy, and professor Harold Ritchie, studying the Indian legends of the area. As Iris and Bonnie are pursued by a professional killer, the guests find that Miss Luisa's magical and strange house, built on a site of ancient power, holds the fulfillment of their dreams. Coping with their private devils, they also contribute to the downfall of evil and the salvation of the Lathans. Wilhelm adds new lustre to her oeuvre with this splendid and eerie tale deeply infused with Pacific Indian lore. ( Apr. )