FIRE POINT

Innocent lovers are subjected to an onslaught of jealousy and hostility on Michigan's remote Upper Peninsula in a sensitively observed, mesmerizing fourth novel that builds in fury as inexorably and stunningly as a Lake Superior storm. Smalltown gossip has plagued Hannah LeClair ever since she was forced to have an abortion and drop out of high school after being abandoned by her boyfriend, Sean Colby. His father, Frank, is the town cop, and the force behind Sean's sudden enlistment in the army. Already considered Whitefish Harbor's "town slut" at 19, Hannah meets and falls in love with Martin Reed, a Chicagoan 10 years her senior. But soon enough, Sean returns, summarily discharged after an incident involving an Italian woman. Installed by his father as a summer cop, Sean pursues Hannah; when she rejects his advances, he learns of her affair and begins a relentless campaign of stalking and harassing Martin, which includes two attempts to burn down the old house Martin is restoring. When Frank confronts him, Sean smashes the headlight of the town patrol car, an incident reported by witnesses; the resulting charges of nepotism put Frank's long-held position in the community in jeopardy. The violence escalates in this gripping novel by the author of Cold , as father and son deem Martin a mortal enemy. Readers may devour this in one sitting, and the startling denouement will keep them rapt to the chilling end. Agent, Noah Lukeman. (Sept.)