A Girl Named Anna

High school senior Anna Montgomery, the heroine of British author Barber’s taut first novel, lives a quiet, devout life in Florida with her widowed mother. When Anna and her boyfriend, the local pastor’s son, decide to sneak off to Astroland, the state’s biggest theme park (where she’s never been), for her 18th birthday, she discovers Astroland is strangely familiar. Meanwhile, in London, teenager Rosie Archer and her parents must come to terms with the 15th anniversary of the kidnapping of her sister, Emily, which occurred during a trip to America when Rosie was just a baby. Despite having little hope of success, Rosie resolves to do something, and she begins by reading all the conspiracy theories and stories about the kidnapping online. Her research uncovers a few promising leads, one involving a well-known reporter. As Rosie fights for the truth, Anna seeks her own, and soon both find themselves in danger. Barber creates a fast-moving tale of good and evil, obsession and sacrifice—all in the name of love. This gifted storyteller is a writer to watch. Agent: Luigi Bonomi, LBA Agency (U.K.). (Sept.)