cover image THE VISITOR'S BOOK

THE VISITOR'S BOOK

Caroline Upcher, . . Kensington, $14 (249pp) ISBN 978-1-57566-905-2

Upcher provides more star-crossed lovers in her latest, which is not quite sure whether to be a romance or a mystery. The helpless Orlando, beloved godson of popular writer Victoria Hissey, marries an ambitious young publishing executive named Lindy, whom he meets on holiday. He's her prince charming, but they only know each other a week before they tie the knot. Back in England, Victoria is not sure this is the right move for Orlando. As she puzzles over the relationship, her housekeeper, Peg, struggles to keep Victoria's homes—Laybridge House and the Cottage—in order and to squelch her daughter Rose's love for Orlando. Creating further difficulty is Orlando's devilishly attractive uncle Bruno, long in love with Victoria but afraid to commit. The novel's ostensible mystery centers around the deaths of Orlando's parents and a "Visitor's Book" kept by former mistresses of the Cottage, but these side plots are only window dressing. The real mystery is whether Victoria and Bruno will ever be on the same wavelength and how long it will take Orlando to discover his true feelings for Rose. For from the first weekend at the Cottage, Lindy does not fit in and has no use for Orlando's life, his friends or his habits. Readers may find themselves sympathizing with brash Lindy rather than with spoiled Orlando or self-absorbed Victoria, but to her credit, Upcher crafts well-rounded if not always likable characters. In spite of the slight disjointedness of the plot and the uncertainty of the story's direction, this is a satisfying read. (Jan.)