The Vanishing at Castle Moreau

Wright (The Souls of Lost Lake) captivates with a thrilling tale of two women who get caught up in the secrets of a Wisconsin castle. It’s April of 1870 when Daisy François seeks out employment at Castle Moreau, an imposing structure built by a French trapper. Orphaned at a young age and abused by her adoptive parents, Daisy sees a job as housekeeper at the castle as a chance at a new life. As women from the area go missing, Daisy is unwillingly drawn into a mystery that involves Ora Moreau—the castle’s mysterious owner and the author of dark works of fiction. Meanwhile, in the present day, Cleo Clemmons, on the run from both her family and the law, accepts a job at Castle Moreau and hopes to stay under the radar. She’s been hired to help Ora’s granddaughter Virgie deal with her hoarding problem, but soon discovers artifacts that threaten to resurrect old secrets. Both Daisy and Cleo must draw on faith in God in order to protect themselves. The twisting, fast-moving plot is loaded with secrets, and the characters remain morally ambiguous until the end. Readers won’t want to put this down. (Apr.)