Guilty

This crime novel from Irish author Elliot (Sleep Sister) gets off to a strong start, but the plodding plot and a lack of characters readers will care about come as a letdown. On a dare, 13-year-old Constance Lawson sneaks out in the middle of the night from her home in a Dublin suburb to visit an abandoned house where a dead man lay for a week until a postman discovered his body. Earlier that day, Constance and her parents had a massive fight, because they refused to allow her to attend a concert. When Constance fails to return home, suspicion centers on the girl’s uncle, Karl Lawson, whose close relationship with his niece is scrutinized by reporter Amanda Bowe. When Constance’s body is found days later, the focus on Karl intensifies, verging on a vendetta by Amanda. Karl’s life is ruined, but the story is a boon for Amanda. Vowing revenge, Karl waits six years to wreak havoc on Amanda. Too much detail about Amanda’s career ascent and personal life undercuts the suspense. This is one of Elliot’s lesser efforts. (May)