The Clearing

Nate Mason, the hero of Newman's tepid debut, returns to the Caribbean island of St. Lucia, which he left in 1976 after an adventuresome outing with three friends turned deadly. Scenes from Nate's boyhood reveal that Nate, the son of a Canadian development worker, and Pip, the son of a Dutch diplomat, were the outsiders in a quartet that included Tristan, the son of wealthy Vincent De Villers, and Tristan's cousin Richard, who died on that long-ago outing. Back on St. Lucia after 30 years away, Nate connects with island journalist Smiley Edwin, who's compiled a dossier for him on Richard's death. Nate's return brings back memories of tales of the Bolom, a legendary island bogeyman, and also prompts someone to physically attack him. Gradually, the link between Richard's death and the fates of the other friends becomes clear. Newman's tale of human arrogance and supernatural forces is too insipid to inspire much dread or interest. (Apr.)