Dark Secrets of the Old Oak Tree

Wilson’s melodramatic novel of suspense chronicles the deadly impact of secrets and lies on the people of a small Southern town. After Evie Carson’s marriage to a high-powered attorney unravels in Chicago, she returns to her hometown of Hyattville, Ga., where she opens a fashion boutique. While sitting one day in her childhood tree house, Evie sees mentally challenged Jake Harley emerge into a clearing from the underbrush carrying a nude female body. Jake digs a grave for what Evie recognizes to her horror is the body of her high school friend Denise Farrell. After she reports Denise’s murder to the police, someone kills Jake. As more bodies pile up, Evie takes solace in her budding romance with state trooper Lyle Dickerson. Wilson (Little Big Heart ) balances an intricate plot with credible character development. (Mar.)