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For Perri O'Shaughnessy fans who eagerly have been awaiting the next Nina Reilly court thriller, I am sorry to report that KEEPER OF THE KEYS is a stand-alone --- there isn't a lawyer in sight. However, I am happy to report that you will not be disappointed by this haunting new novel by the sister team known as "Perri O'Shaughnessy." The writing style, memorable characters, exciting plot twists and delightfully realistic dialogue are right where they should be. Though we would like to have our favorite authors keep writing the series that we enjoy, we really must give them room to stretch and flex when they feel the need.
The story opens with a conflict between Leigh and Ray Jackson, an upwardly mobile young couple with a bright future. He is the creative partner in an architectural firm, and she designs unique pieces of furniture. Unfortunately, Leigh's easy, comfortable themes are totally out of place in the ultra-modernistic home Ray built for them. In the same way, Leigh begins to feel out of place in Ray's life as his obsession to learn about his past begins to absorb more and more of his time. On the other hand, Ray suspects that Leigh has been pulling away from him and fears the worst, but has no ability to confront her. The Prologue ends with him thinking about ways to kill her.
The next morning, Leigh is gone and Ray shows little interest in trying to find her. Dumdadumdum!
The word "haunting" can be key in deciding whether or not I am in the mood to read a certain book. It often indicates that the work in question contains an obsessed person failing to satisfy his need, often verging on insanity. That can be discomforting at times and not the kind of entertainment I am looking for. At other times, however, it may be exactly what I need. In either case, KEEPER OF THE KEYS is a haunting story that occasionally gets bogged down in Ray's fruitless search for the truth about why his mother moved them 10 times before he entered high school, why he was never allowed to talk about his father, and what all of this has to do with the current problems he's having in his marriage.
Nevertheless, by employing a small, distinctive and enjoyable cast of characters, O'Shaughnessy deftly moves the story between past and present, revealing more and more until the puzzle is fully revealed in an astonishing conclusion. Leigh's childhood friend, Kat, provides the inspiration that Ray needs to realize that he loves Leigh and wants her back more than anything else. From Ray's mom, who mysteriously starts drinking again, to Leigh's concerned parents and Kat's happily pregnant sister, Jacki, each one contributes to the story and its ultimate resolution.
While we look forward to the next book in the Nina Reilly series, fans will not be disappointed by KEEPER OF THE KEYS.
--- Reviewed by Maggie Harding, a substance abuse counselor in Phoenix, AZ who wanted to be Brenda Starr before life intervened. She reviews for www.faithfulreader.com and www.womenonwriting.com. To contact Maggie, email Magster2@cox.net.
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