Admit to Murder

Traditionally, a mystery's distinguishing feature is its plot. But in this novel by Yorke ( Summer Flight )--though nothing is what it seems, murder, rape and arson do occur--the gradual revelation of character is what holds the reader. The disappearance of 28-year-old Louise Vaughan from the streets of her village remains unsolved 12 years later, and many innocent and not-so-innocent lives have been affected. Grief and loss have driven a wedge between Louise's parents and have drawn home old family friend Norah Tyler, who cedes her hard-won independence to their need for her. Bit by bit, the truths behind sundry human deceptions come to light, yet the denouement--as neat a one as can be found in the genre--takes the reader by surprise. This tightly crafted, wise little book is mainly, in the end, about people, some of whom--like Louise's adopted brother Malcolm--are capable of malice, but most of whom have the courage to commit themselves completely to love and thus survive its tragedies. (Sept.)