In contrast to its well-constructed predecessor, The Sisters of Theta Phi Kappa
(2001), Canadian author Perrin's second sorority-themed romantic suspense novel fails to grip. In the summer of 1975, the unsolved murder of a wayward teenage girl prompts Sylvia Grayson, matriarch of one of New Orleans' most elite old-money African-American families and one-time president of the Delta Gamma Psi sorority, to be even more protective of her lonely only child, Olivia, who loves the dark and mystery of night. Estranged from her mother, Olivia later becomes a successful horror writer and has a daughter, Rachelle. The author sensitively explores the relationships between mothers and daughters, but the action doesn't pick up until Rachelle reaches college age and considers following the family tradition by pledging for the Deltas. Strange events with voodoo overtones could have deadly consequences for Rachelle, particularly if a well-kept family secret gets out. Perrin knows her sorority politics and offers some insights into the power of love and the meaning of family, but a lack of focus and too much filler will frustrate many readers. Regional author tour. Agent, Helen Breitwieser at Cornerstone Literary Agency
. (Apr. 22)
