July 2021

THE FIANCÉE is a locked-room thriller set on a 60-acre estate in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Kate White had me with the setting, and then ramped it up with the plot!

Summer is looking forward to her annual vacation at her in-laws’ estate. She’s headed there with her husband, Gabe, and her precocious nine-year-old stepson. As the family gathers, she recognizes her brother-in-law’s girlfriend, Hannah, who was in an acting showcase with her a few years ago. But when questioned about this, Hannah says she could not recall it. Summer just does not trust her --- and her suspicions only amp up when her brother-in-law announces that they are engaged; they only had been dating for a short time. The weekend rolls along with a number of family bonding moments until someone is found dead. What happened, and just who is the fiancée?

Family vacations typically have some drama, but in this one, the drama is over the top. Reading it was a great escape! Kate and I worked together many moons ago when we were at Mademoiselle, and it’s been such fun following her writing career. I can see this one getting lots of beach time for people this summer.