Hush Little Baby

This snappily paced, cinematic novel about the dysfunctional modern American family from architect and first-time author Redfearn contains heavy doses of violence, danger, and fear. Jill Kane—much-sought-after architect who’s just turned 40—has two small children, Addie and Drew, with her cop husband, Gordon. The outwardly happy family lives in the touristy resort city of Laguna Beach, Calif. Privately, however, Jill has endured Gordon’s alcohol-fueled abusiveness for nine years. When her “consummate psychopath” husband threatens to kill her and their two children, Jill files for divorce. The cunning Gordon legally outmaneuvers her to gain sole custody of their children. With Gordon becoming increasingly threatening, Jill rounds up Addie and Drew and flees north to a small town outside of Spokane, Wash., where Jill waits tables at a rustic diner. Events hurtle along with great urgency to a rousing climax. A smart, suspenseful debut. Agent: Nick Ellison, Nicholas Ellison Agency. (Oct.)