Reviewed by Jaimie Bell
What does it cost to keep a secret safe? Jack McCalister, a charming and married Bostonian is about to find out in this powerful and fast-paced drama. He is having an affair with Erica who lives on Clary’s Cove, the island where Jack’s family owns a fabulous home and vacationed when he was a boy. Unlike most of the wealthy inhabitants who enjoy their summers on the island and leave, year round inhabitants work and struggle just to get by.
Since she was a teenager Erica had a crush on the handsome Jack and was thrilled to be with him at first, but his promises to leave his wife never panned out. She becomes more and more disillusioned and it did not help matters when she becomes pregnant. When Jack leaves the love nest early one morning before she could tell him, Erica gathers up courage and follows him in her car in an attempt to catch up with him before he reaches the ferry. The early morning is dark and rainy and when a young girl suddenly appears in front of Jack’s car, he hits her. Although seeing the impact is a shock, Erica stares in mute horror as Jack drives away from the scene of the accident leaving the dying teen on the rain-spattered street.
The blackmail starts soon after her death is announced and with his magazine Lifestyle suffering a major financial setback, Jack finds no rest. With no idea who the blackmailer could be he begins to spiral into paranoia and guilt, although not enough to confess to the hit-and-run. It is always unclear whether he will crack under the pressure or successfully juggle the falling pieces of his life. A lot of surprises pop up and not all the characters are what they appear to be. There are tragic consequences to not only the accident but also the lengths Jack goes to keep it a secret.
Erica knows she must end their affair and get her life in order for the baby but finds that letting go is much harder than she ever imagined. The appearance of a stalker on the dark edges of her small world adds to the mystery of this intelligent and fast-paced drama.
Susan Walerstein’s writing style is tight, focused and energetic. The unexpected plot twists are exceptional and keep going right up to the end. I loved the charming descriptions of Erica’s island cottage as well as the formidable storm filled skies of the New England coast. Erica’s psychological pain as she wrestles with the ramifications of the affair and resulting pregnancy is heartfelt and genuine. I found myself sympathizing with Jack and disliking him intensely in turn as his character changes from unflappable lover to tormented soul. This insightful exploration of guilt, remorse, and letting go is delivered in this powerful story in a sincere and realistic manner.
This is Susan Walerstein’s first book.