An Accidental Light

Diamond's debut is a heartbreaking journey into the aftermath of tragedy. Jack Philips is driving home one night outside of London when he strikes and kills 13-year-old Laura Jenkins. With two small daughters of his own, police officer Jack is devastated, even though the death is ruled accidental. As he struggles to put his life back together, Jack quits his job and his marriage falls apart. He also spots Laura's father, Derek, lurking around his house, accompanied by Laura's ghost. The only other person that sees this ghost is Laura's mother, Lisa, who, crushed by her daughter's death, also undergoes some unexpected changes, from consulting a psychic to asking for a divorce from her increasingly distant husband. Jack and Lisa share narration, though the two characters' voices become almost indistinguishable as they face similar struggles and try to figure out what Laura's ghost is trying to tell them. The tragedies, large and small, continue at a relentless pace, and Diamond takes pains to make palpable the full weight of grief and guilt. (Feb.)