The unnamed narrator of this fine novel of psychological suspense from Argentinean author Martínez (The Oxford Murders
) struggles as a young novelist to compete in a world dominated by international superstar Kloster. A literary giant with the attitude of Norman Mailer and the commercial success of Stephen King, Kloster has become the obsession of Luciana B, who once took dictation for both Kloster and the narrator. Reappearing after a decade, Luciana tells the narrator an outrageous tale of horror, claiming that Kloster is slowly murdering her family. Is she a bitter fanatic, or could Kloster be Latin America's cleverest serial killer? Believing she's marked for death, Luciana persuades the narrator to figure out whether the recent events in her life are part of a deadly game of cat-and-mouse or a series of tragic coincidences. This riveting tale will appeal to readers of literary fiction and thriller fans alike. (Sept.)
