The Summer We Buried

Tansy Elliot, the narrator of this gripping novel from Gehrman (The Girls Weekend), leads a relatively serene life as a guidance counselor at Valley of the Moon University in Sonoma, Calif., until Selene Rathbone appears at her office, having booked an appointment under an assumed name. The two share a terrible secret concerning a criminal act 20 years ago about which Tansy has felt guilty ever since. Tansy knows she shouldn’t get involved with Selene again, but Selene threatens to reveal their secret to the police unless Tansy does her bidding. Selene’s daughter, Jupiter, a student at the university, is living with Colton Blake, a man Selene thinks is abusive. She wants Tansy to make sure Jupiter breaks up with Colton. As Selene draws Tansy further and further into her grasp, Tansy comes to realize Selene has a hidden agenda. The romantic relationship that develops between Tansy and Selene’s brother raises the stakes. Gehrman keeps the suspense high up to the final showdown. Psychological thriller fans will find much to like. Agent: Jill Marr, Sandra Dijkstra Literary. (Mar.)