Insight

Hassell successfully blends contemporary romance with mystery and the paranormal from the moment Nate Black takes off from his small Texas hometown in order to investigate the death of his twin brother, Theo. Theo has drowned and his body has been shipped back home for burial. There’s the obligatory family funeral quarrel and the equally obligatory family drunk who talks too much; the latter’s cryptic rambling drives Nate to hit the road. Nate’s more than a little rash—starting a 2,000-mile trek to New York City on foot—and also a little naïve – hitching a ride with Trent, a handsome stranger whom he can’t “read” despite his psychic abilities. Hassell successfully employs Nate’s paranormal talents to maneuver him through a city of eight million to the exact spot where he needs to be. From there, a whole psychic LGBTQ community emerges that’s real enough to challenge the reader’s natural disbelief. Hassell’s talent shines in this cross-genre tale. Agent: Courtney Miller-Callihan, Handspun Literary. (Mar.)