Throughout THE BLUE HOUR, Paula Hawkins consistently references the great Daphne du Maurier. Bits of REBECCA, DON’T LOOK NOW and others clearly permeate this outstanding work.

Fairburn House is the only house on the mostly unreachable Scottish island of Eris. It belonged to Vanessa Chapman, a recently deceased artist, and now has just one occupant --- her friend and physician, Grace Haswell. Art historian James Becker is aware of Vanessa’s work and needs to do an assessment to ensure that the museum he works for has accounted for all of it. He also knows about the infamous reputation she has garnered based entirely on the fact that her husband, Julian, disappeared 20 years earlier on the island and was never seen again.

"THE BLUE HOUR really shows off Paula Hawkins’ writing skills in the subtle way that she buries and uncovers one clue after another. There is much to savor here."

Of particular concern for Becker and his employer is Vanessa’s piece, Division II. This sculpture encased in a small tank includes bones that initially were believed to be from an animal. After the exhibit is scanned, it shows that the bones are human, raising many eyebrows and questions.

Throughout the book, we are regaled with chronological diary entries from Vanessa that provide us with her innermost thoughts --- along with many clues and red herrings regarding the mysteries on Eris. Of particular note is the up-and-down relationship that Vanessa had with Grace. It got so bad at one point that it makes you wonder why Grace is still residing on the property once Vanessa passes away. Wait patiently as all will be revealed in the last part of this smartly plotted story.

In those diary entries, we find out why Vanessa and Grace had such a tight bond to begin with. Grace saved Vanessa when a visiting handyman was attacking and attempting to rape her. She also was there during the summer of 2002 when Vanessa was freaking out about her place being ransacked and several of her precious works being destroyed. It was believed that this was the act of her husband, from whom she was becoming estranged due to his affairs. Grace literally helped her pick up the pieces, thus remaining in her favor as a close friend and confidante.

What makes this novel sing is Grace. She is an enigma, a puzzle box that needs to be figured out in order to get to the answers behind the many mysteries that arise surrounding Vanessa and Fairburn House. Grace may be a fine doctor, but she was not a popular student nor does she have any close friends or a husband to speak of. She would be considered homely to average by most, and she only told Vanessa about one young man she fancied back in school. As both Becker and the reader begin to slowly piece things together, the secrets that Grace has kept will become visible --- and there lies the revelations to come from this gothic, chilly novel.

THE BLUE HOUR really shows off Paula Hawkins’ writing skills in the subtle way that she buries and uncovers one clue after another. There is much to savor here. I was especially impressed by how she was able to shift from writing high-octane psychological thrillers to a novel that would have made Daphne du Maurier proud.