THE INVISIBLE WORLD

This novel of conspiracy and political intrigue creates a heady atmosphere reminiscent of Paul Auster—but its self-consciously existential affectations occasionally intrude, dampening its suspense. A down-on-his-luck Boston journalist, Sam Adams is almost 50 and scarcely knows his father, who was perpetually leaving on mysterious espionage missions for the government throughout Sam's youth. When he learns that someone resembling his father left his mother's hospital room shortly before her death and that he has absconded with her ashes, Sam begins a determined pursuit. As he chases his father, other parts of his life come to the reader's attention: he has written a book linking his father to the assassination of J.F.K.; his maladjusted sister died after a battle with severe drug addiction; his family life was always fraught with upheaval and discord. Sam's progress toward his father and the truth about him brings no end of violence, deception and disturbing insights into U.S. government culture, rendered here in eerily believable fashion. The only sign of hope in Sam's life is Petra, a local journalist whose interest in him begins as curiosity about his father's life and then turns to romance—or does it? Many of Smolens's settings and scenarios—a foggy wharf, a car filled with gangsters in dark coats—are vaguely hackneyed, but his spare style plays off nicely against the plot, an elaborate tapestry of twists and contradictions. Smolens (Cold) balances political commentary, excitement and heartbreak nicely, moving his career forward with sure-footed style. Agent, Noah Lukeman. (Dec.)