The Secret Mother

This serviceable psychological thriller from British author Boland (The Girl from the Sea) falls short of its promising setup. Grief over the death of young twins has ruined the marriage and career of Tessa Markham. One day, Tessa returns to her north London home to find a boy of five or six sitting in her kitchen. “Are you my mummy?” he asks. She phones her estranged husband, but he’s reluctant to help. She next calls the police, who soon come to suspect her of child abduction. Meanwhile, Tessa’s aggressive journalist neighbor betrays her trust, and a mysterious woman begins to stalk her. Tessa turns to her handsome boss for help in solving the mystery, but it’s finally up to Tessa herself to track down the boy’s parents. Unfortunately, the predictable plot generates little suspense, and most readers will have figured out the ending long before the heroine. Still, those looking for an easy-to-read vacation novel will be satisfied. Agent: Claire Bord, Bookouture (U.K). (June)