A Single Breath

In this lackluster romantic suspense/gothic romance mélange, tragedy strikes when Eva and Jackson Bowe visit the windy, rocky coast of Dorset, England, for a birthday celebration with Eva’s mother. Though he is an experienced fisherman and swimmer, Jackson is swept out to sea­­ and, after scouring the water all day in dangerous conditions, the Coast Guard calls off the search and Jackson is presumed dead. Eva and Jackson were married for less than eight months—and had known each other for little more than that—and Eva’s grief at her husband’s death is all-encompassing. In her need to understand, she travels to Jackson’s home in Tasmania to meet his family and search for closure. Instead, Eva finds herself in the midst of a tortuous family situation that only adds to the confusion surrounding Jackson’s death. Clarke (Swimming at Night) valiantly tries for grand passion and high drama, with lamentable results. Agent: Judith Murray, Greene and Heaton. (Apr.)