cover image Night Sisters

Night Sisters

Sara Rath, . . Univ. of Wisconsin/Terrace, $24.95 (320pp) ISBN 978-0-299-22870-5

Rath's latest novel (after Star Lake Saloon and Housekeeping Cottages ), a witty blend of the occult, suspense, mystery and a dash of romance, follows writer Eleanora “Nell” Grendon. When Nell first visits the Wocanaga Spiritualist Camp, it's for a magazine article she's writing, but she unexpectedly finds herself drawn to—and with an unexpected talent for—mediumship, the art of communicating with the spirit world. Under the tutelage of veteran Grace Waverly, Nell soon begins channeling Angella Wing, a 1920s radio actress and self-proclaimed “woman of a thousand voices”—and offering private readings (under a pseudonym). Nell doesn't realize Angella has an agenda (including sharing her trenchant thoughts on a blog) that throws a wrench into Nell's budding romance with George, a local musician, and brings to light long-buried secrets from Nell's own past; woven throughout are flashbacks to Nell's smalltown Wisconsin childhood with her best friend Polly Cornbloom and their vexing playmate Sharon Gallagher. With an unexpected ending and moments of laugh-out-loud humor, Rath delivers a satisfying paranormal melodrama. (Nov.)