No More Words

Graphic novelist Olivia Carson, the heroine of this enticing series launch from Lonsdale (Everything We Keep), is surprised when Josh, the 13-year-old nephew she has never met, shows up at her San Luis Obispo, Calif., home. Fourteen years earlier, after 21-year-old Olivia learned from her father that her 16-year-old sister, Lily, was pregnant by Olivia’s 21-year-old boyfriend. Lily ran away when their parents demanded that she give up the baby for adoption or have an abortion. Olivia hasn’t seen Lily since, and the only communications Olivia receives from her are annual letters with pictures of Josh. Josh, who has difficulty speaking and bears a surgical scar on his skull indicating that he may have had a serious head injury, uses drawings to convey to Olivia that something bad has happened to his mother. As Olivia searches for answers about Josh’s sudden appearance and Lily’s whereabouts, she uncovers some disturbing truths about her outwardly perfect family. Lonsdale expertly maintains suspense throughout. Psychological thriller fans will be well satisfied. [em]Agent: Gordon Warnock, Fuse Literary. (July) [/em]