Paradox Lake

This run-of-the-mill thriller from Zandri (The Girl Who Wasn’t There) finds art professor Rose Conley on sabbatical from her college in Albany, N.Y., at an isolated house on Paradox Lake in the Adirondacks, along with her 12-year-old daughter, Anna. As Rose enjoys sculpting and spending quality time with Anna, a growing number of disturbing incidents, including scary noises in the night, mar their tranquil retreat. In addition, Rose learns that 12-year-old Sarah Anne Moore, who used to live in the house, was raped and murdered on a trail near the lake in 1986. Rose researches Sarah Anne, who she thinks resembles Anna, and becomes obsessed to the point of sculpting the dead girl’s likeness. Meanwhile, a human monster lurks in the shadows and has chosen Anna as his next victim. Can Rose save her daughter? Readers should be prepared for standard horror fare, including a crazed killer who won’t stay dead. Hopefully, Zandri will return to form next time. Agent: Chip MacGregor, MacGregor & Luedeke Literary. (May)