Born in 1945 into a privileged New England family, Leah Stockbridge, the engaging heroine of this initially sluggish novel of romantic suspense from Swiss-American author Nelson (The Card
), defies her parents' wishes by enrolling in a Boston art school instead of attending a liberal arts college. After a devastating personal tragedy, Leah moves to Paris to fulfill her desire to paint in the City of Light. There, she falls under the spell of a handsome Swiss banker, Jean-Luc Perroset, whom she eventually marries. Leah sets aside her artistic career to become the perfect Swiss wife, mother and chatelaine of a massive estate. The pace picks up as mysterious incidents start to befall Leah, and her fairy tale life with Jean-Luc unravels. Flashbacks to Leah's youth growing up in New England help heighten the suspense. (Nov.)
