Forget Me Knots

Once Julie Wells had an imaginary playmate, a sweet, sad-faced boy named Jo-Jo whom she promised to marry. Now Julie is engaged to Barry, and Jo-Jo has returned, terrifying her, threatening Barry and warning away Russell Dunn, the psychiatrist Julie has consulted. In analytic sessions, Julie reveals powerful childhood memories. Russell, seeking information, meets and falls in love with Julie's mother, fully aware of the complication his actions will add to his patient's condition. In this novel described as a psychological ghost story, the author of Deadly Communion suggests that the forces of the subconscious can be strong enough to take on a life of their own. Brookes's unsensational style, avoidance of pop psychology and refusal of the easy resolution, make this tale of obsession and incestuous fantasy, of love, responsibility and self-determination all the more compelling. (June 16)