Betrayals

Harrell ( Minstrel's Fire ) adeptly locates well-drawn characters against glamorous backdrops to create a believable, gripping story that will keep armchair sleuths guessing about her Boston Brahmins' motivations until the final chapter. In 1959, 30 years before the main action of the novel, 10 priceless gems were stolen, setting in play a string of events--cold-blooded murders, betrayals and acts of vengeance--that propels the protagonists from the Cote d'Azur to Boston, Indochina and back. Rebecca Blackburn's bravery accidentally gives her clues that could ultimately reveal the impetus behind the series of deaths and the reason she lost Jared Sloan to another woman. But Rebecca needs the help of her wealthy uncle, and Jared, to uncover confidences they have long concealed to protect the innocent. Each scene brings fresh insights while raising more questions. Harrell forces her characters to confront issues of humanity, integrity and the multifaceted aspects of love without slowing the ever-quickening pace or loosing the many plot threads. Here is intelligent writing that remains highly entertaining. (May)