Safe Keeping

Past secrets contribute to present-day angst in this solid suspense novel from Sissel (Evidence of Life). Emily Lebay routinely makes excuses for her 34-year-old son, Tucker, who still lives at home with Emily and her husband, Roy, in their small Texas town. To Emily’s dismay, Tucker comes under suspicion for the murder of Jessica Sweet. Jessica’s body was found near the site of an earlier murder, that of Miranda Quick. Tucker was questioned extensively about Miranda’s slaying, but police eventually cleared him. Convinced that Tucker didn’t kill Jessica, Emily and her daughter, Lissa, work to exonerate him. Meanwhile, Emily is desperately trying to prevent the fracturing of her family, as Roy, a Vietnam vet, struggles with PTSD and wants Tucker out of the house. Despite his failings, Tucker remains a likable yet flawed character, and the even pacing keeps the reader’s interest until the captivating conclusion. Agent: Barbara Poelle, Irene Goodman Literary Agency. (Apr.)