The Hunted

Childs returns to Bane Island (first visited in The Runaway) to deliver a page-turning romantic thriller. Pop star Olivia Smith is hiding out from a stalker with an extended stay at Halcyon Hall, a posh spa and clinic on the tiny Maine island. The facility was once Bainesworth Manor psychiatric hospital, and 25 years before the start of the novel, now-sheriff Deacon Howell found his first dead body on its grounds—and there have been others since, among them Deacon’s late wife. When another body is discovered during Olivia’s stay, Olivia and Deacon are thrown into the line of fire of an unknown killer and they grow tantalizingly closer while trying to stay alive. Childs paces her mystery well, with a plethora of red herrings that will keep readers guessing right up to the end. The appealing, nuanced central couple are surrounded by a strong supporting cast, led by Deacon’s surly yet sweet daughter, Holly, a moody teenager who will ring true to parents. Bane Island may be a dangerous place, but readers will look forward to coming back. Agent: Michelle Grajkowski, Three Seas Literary. (Dec.)