Sins of the Fathers

Sexual peccadillos drive the plot of this well-crafted standalone from British author Fraser (A Tangled Thread) about three families, each with its own secrets and long-buried resentments. Mark Richmond, who has problems at home and at work, is waiting in line in London’s King’s Cross train station to buy a ticket to York when Helena Crawford, who has mistaken him for her hired escort, whirls into his life. Mark soon finds himself agreeing to accompany Helena to Scotland for her parents’ ruby wedding anniversary and to pose as her fiancé, Adam Ryder. Flashback six months to the 60th birthday party of Peter Kingsley, the father of Mark’s now-estranged wife, in Kent. Trouble is brewing between Peter and Mark’s father, who have been friends for decades. Although those expecting serious crimes will be disappointed, Fraser skillfully keeps the reader guessing as to who will be/has been sleeping with whom. This is soap opera of the highest order. [em]Agent: Juliet Burton, Juliet Burton Literary Agency (U.K.). (Aug.) [/em]