Cry Darkness

Astrophysicist and BBC science celebrity Sandy Jones, the protagonist of this predictable thriller from Bonner (the David Vogel mysteries), is about to assume the chancellorship of Oxford University when she receives a phone call from a former close friend, Connie Pike, “psychologist, philosopher, and innovator,” who has dedicated her life to the work of RECAP (Research into Consciousness at Princeton). Connie is vague about the reason for her call, and Jones shortens their conversation with a promise to get back to her. But before she can do so, she hears a news report that Connie and a colleague have been killed in an explosion. In despair, and feeling guilty, Jones heads to the States, where she’s caught up in a by-the-numbers plot involving shadowy government figures, violence, and secrets. Underdeveloped characters hinder any emotional engagement. Bonner has done much better than this clichéd effort. Agent: Toby Peake, Peake Assoc. (U.K.). (Mar.)