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.