The Turnglass

Two interlinked novellas share a single binding in this knotty and stimulating tête-bêche book from journalist and novelist Rubin (The Winter Agent). The gothic-tinted first tale is set in 1881 England and “written” by fictional bestselling author Oliver Tooke. In it, idealistic but impoverished London doctor Simeon Lee visits a remote island in Essex to care for his father’s cousin, Oliver Hawes, who claims he’s being poisoned—possibly by his sister-in-law, Florence. The second story, set in 1939 Los Angeles, follows young actor Ken Kourian as he befriends famous author Oliver Tooke and meets his eccentric extended family, including his femme fatale sister; his father, the eugenicist governor of California vying for the U.S. presidency; and his grandfather, an esteemed doctor. After Oliver dies of an apparent suicide, Ken discovers a manuscript of the book’s first story and draws startling real-life parallels, setting him on a journey to England, where he uncovers a scandal that threatens to derail Governor Tooke’s political bid. At times, Rubin’s incessant doubling (Florence, for example, occupies herself with reading tête-bêche novels) can feel overworked, as can his reliance on stock elements, including a hyperbrutal police force and a beautiful, unavailable heiress. Still, the book’s ambitious structure offers plenty of thrilling surprises for readers willing to roll with it. Adventurous mystery fans will be rewarded. (Oct.)