With a lengthy backlist to her credit and recognition as Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America, Whitney returns with her thirty-eighth foray into the realm of romantic suspense. This latest is somewhat shy on thrills, but the author hasn't forgotten the fine nuances and descriptive prose that her devoted fans have come to expect. When Hallie Knight receives a summons to Topsail Island by the grandfather of her college roommate, she immediately responds. Knowing that Susan has disappeared without a trace piques her curiosity, but she's also glad of the opportunity to escape the pain caused by her husband's infidelity. She never expects to become the catalyst for unraveling the strange fate of her friend or find the courage to reexamine her own life. The languid pace is perfect for cozy, rainy-day reading, and the splendid backdrop, infused with local color and history, beckons. Predictably solid performance from an old hand with name-brand appeal. --Stephanie ZvirinUpcoming in Upfront Look for reviews of these sure-to-be-popular titles in future Upfronts. Ordering information is provided for those libraries wishing to place advance orders.

In this 39th novel by the queen of romantic suspense, a young woman has mysteriously disappeared from her family home, and when good friend Laurie Phillips is asked to find her, she suspects that some of the family would rather she didn't succeed. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Romantic suspense warhorse Whitney's (Daughter of the Stars) latest is a psychological drama of a deeply troubled family set on historic Topsail Island off the North Carolina coast. The Trenches are presided over by the wealthy patriarch called "the Captain." The disappearance of his granddaughter, Susan, motivates the Captain to beg Susan's former college roommate, Hallie Knight, to search for her. Hallie leaps at the excuse to leave California (not to mention her philandering husband, Paul). But renewing the search for Susan, who has been gone two years, is only part of the Captain's agenda. Feeling that Susan has been murdered, he is determined to leave Hallie the bulk of his considerable fortune, originally meant for his granddaughter. If Susan's killer is near, this could mean danger for Hallie, who wants no part of the money. Before any clues turn up, several subplots distract both characters and the reader: the Captain's ex-wife appears on the scene, and Paul comes after Hallie in an attempt to reconcile their marriage. Unfortunately, the Knights and Trenches are 100% cardboard (and, with only a few chaste kisses between them, sexless to boot). As the plot unravels, ridiculous coincidences and highly incredible secrets proliferate. The final revelations concerning Susan's disappearance seem less important than whether Hallie and Paul will get back together. The lack of passion and of heat produce tepid fiction. Paperback rights to Fawcett. (July) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved