Collins, whose The Keepers of Truth
was shortlisted for the Booker, presents a sardonic view of academia in this literary crime novel. E. Robert Pendleton's heralded first novel secures him a teaching position at exclusive Bannockburn College in the Midwest, but his career is on the skids because he hasn't published recently. When an old friend, acclaimed writer Allen Horowitz, arrives at Bannockburn for a lecture, the despondent Bob attempts suicide but fails. While helping Bob recuperate, graduate student Adi Wiltshire discovers cartons of a self-published novel, Scream
, in his basement; recognizing its brilliance, she and Allen arrange its reissue without the incapacitated Bob's knowledge. The successful new edition of Scream
attracts the attention of cold case detective Jon Ryder, who notices close parallels between its story and a local unsolved murder. Collins keeps the tension high as the ambitious Adi, arrogant Allen and dogged Jon work together and at cross purposes to discover the truth. The philosophical and literary digressions may annoy some readers, but all should appreciate the fully-realized characters, lyrical place descriptions and dark, circuitous plot. (Sept.)
