The Break

Bestselling novelist Rowan O’Sullivan, one of two narrators of this mesmerizing psychological thriller from Sise (Open House), has it all: a handsome, successful husband, Gabe, and a baby on the way. Along with their longtime pal, talent agent Harrison Russell, the trio enjoy life among New York City’s glitterati. Into their orbit comes 22-year-old June Waters, the second narrator, who has big ambitions and dreams of stardom. June begins working at Harrison’s agency, signs on to babysit for Rowan and Gabe, and the trio becomes a quartet. Then Rowan nearly dies in childbirth and suffers serious complications. She becomes paranoid and suspicious, doubting her every thought and action, constantly feeling under siege, and not knowing whom to trust. Is danger truly lurking close by or is she imagining it? After an altercation in which Rowan accuses June of harming the baby, Rowan is blamed when June disappears. Alternating between narrators helps build tension, besides providing insights into character, though the many shifts back and forth in time can be confusing. With this white-knuckle journey, Sise shows her mastery of suspense. Agent: Dan Mandel, Sanford J. Greenburger Assoc. (Nov.)