The Other Guest

At the outset of this strong psychological thriller from Cooper (The Downstairs Neighbor), London lawyer Leah arrives at Il Mandarino Luxury Holiday Village on the shores of Italy’s Lake Garda. The exclusive resort is the dream of her sister Charlotte’s husband, Gordon Wynne, whose goal is to provide the ultimate getaway spot for the wealthy. It’s the first time Leah has returned since the drowning death of her 21-year-old niece, Amy, nine months earlier. She soon senses that something is dreadfully wrong within the family: no one speaks of Amy and photos of the young woman are no longer displayed. She resolves to find out what really happened. Meanwhile, back in England, Joanna Greenfield, the head of counseling services at the University of Derby, is wracked with guilt over the suicide of a student and is still reeling from her recent split from her long-term boyfriend. What is it that links Leah and Joanna’s lives? The complicated truth emerges with Scheherazade-like elegance from the viewpoints of Lean, Joanna, and Amy. Credible characters enhance the suspenseful plot. Cooper remains a writer to watch. Agent: Hellie Ogden, Janklow & Nesbit Assoc. (U.K.). (July)