The Lace Reader

Description

A cross between 'The Memory-Keeper's Daughter' and The Sixth Sense, this mesmerising first novel takes the reader into a world of secrets, confused identities, lies and half-truths, culminating in an extraordinary twist. 'My name is Towner Whitney. No, that's not exactly true. My real first name is Sophya. Never believe me, I lie all the time.' Towner Whitney comes from a family of Salem women who can read the future in the patterns in lace, and who have guarded a history of secrets going back for generations. Exiled in California, she receives a phone call telling her that her beloved Great Aunt Eva has disappeared and Towner must return to her home after an absence of 17 years! A literary page-turner with depth, narrative power and a story that novels like 'The Thirteenth Tale' can only dream of, 'The Lace Reader' is a bewitching and tightly plotted read.

First published 2006.

Reviews

'A gorgeously written literary novel that's also a doozy of a thriller, capped with a jaw-dropping denouement that will leave even the most careful reader gasping ! a major feat' Chicago Tribune 'Gripping ! a marvellously bizarre cast of characters (living and dead) in a uniquely colorful town' Washington Post '[A] richly imagined saga of passion, suspense and magic' Time 'Blithe and creepy in equal measure. [Barry] captures [Salem] evocatively and often wittily. What is real in The Lace Reader? What is not? ! There are clues planted everywhere !' New York Times 'A spine-tingler ! The Lace Reader is tailor-made for a boisterous night at the book club' People "The Lace Reader" is a terrific paranormal police procedural. The story line is fast-paced and Brunonia Barry provides an enjoyable mystery in which relativity is not an exact science. "The Lace Reader" is a winner.' Harriet Klausner, The Mystery Gazette '"The Lace Reader" is that rare thing -- a literary page-turner, worthy for its story and for its art.' Tom Jenks - Narrative Magazine 'A captivating debut. Barry excels at capturing the feel of small town life, and balances action with close looks at the characters' inner worlds. Her pacing and use of different perspectives show tremendous skill and will keep readers captivated all the way through.' Publishers Weekly Starred Review - A book of outstanding quality.

Author description

Brunonia Barry studied screenwriting at NYU and relocated to California when an option was taken on one of her scripts. Working on a variety of projects for several studios, she continued to study screenwriting and story structure with Hollywood icon Robert McKee, becoming one of the nine writers in his Development Group. After nearly a decade in Hollywood, Barry returned to Massachusetts where she started a company with her husband that creates award-winning word, visual and logic puzzles. Happily married, Barry lives with her husband and her "only child" who just happens to be a 12-year-old Golden Retriever named Byzantium. 'The Lace Reader' is her first novel.