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Novel Conjures Up Ghost, Secrets And Twists

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By AMY SMITH LINTON

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 27, 2008

"The Lace Reader," by Brunonia Barry (William Morrow. $23)

It has been 15 years since Towner Whitney left Salem, Mass. After the tragic night when she thought she killed her uncle and lost her twin sister, she decided never to go back. And after the electroshock treatment in the mental hospital, she doesn't really trust her memories of her youth.

But when her beloved Great-Aunt Eva sends a pillow, decorated with the lace used by generations of Whitney women to predict the future, Towner knows that something is wrong. And when her great-aunt goes missing, Towner knows she must return to Salem.

Drawing on the native atmosphere of Salem - with its narrow colonial streets, old houses, history of witch trials and current status as a place to visit for those who follow witchcraft - first-time author Barry presents an engrossing modern-day twist on the classic Gothic novel.

There's a spooky coastal mansion, a ghost and layer upon layer of family secrets to reveal, as well as an intolerant messianic preacher whose past abuse holds the key to Towner's memories.

Despite these familiar elements, however, this is not formula fiction: The writing feels fresh, and Towner herself is no ingenue; she is a flawed and unreliable narrator who admits upfront, "Never believe me. I lie all the time."

The story gallops along at a cracking pace, as Towner seeks her great-aunt, a missing girl and ultimately herself.

The cleverly foreshadowed surprise plot twists do indeed surprise, so that the story both astonishes and satisfies. In short, "The Lace Reader" is great entertainment.

Amy Smith Linton of Tampa is a freelance writer.

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