The fiancée A novel

This skillfully constructed page-turner from bestseller White (Have You Seen Me?) opens with actor Summer Keaton heading, along with her husband, Gabe, and her nine-year-old stepson, for Gabe's parents' country home in Bucks County, Pa., for their annual family vacation, where all four Keaton brothers and their partners will be gathering. However, this year the picture-perfect holiday is marred for Summer by the arrival of actor Hannah Kane, the new fiancée of one of Gabe's twin brothers. Summer recognizes Hannah from an acting showcase they both participated in two years earlier, but Hannah denies taking part in it. Why lie about something so innocent? Summer expresses her worry to Gabe, who shrugs off her concerns and suggests that her suspicions might be motivated by envy. When a family member dies of what appears to be a heart attack, only Summer believes the death to be murder. Then someone else dies, and the perfect Keaton clan's facade starts to crumble, revealing devastating secrets and lies. Expert pacing, characters readers can love to hate, and an intelligent heroine make this a winner. White consistently entertains. Agent: Sandra Dijkstra, Sandra Dijkstra & Assoc. Literary. (June)

Struggling voiceover actress and playwright Summer is so looking forward to a much-needed vacation with her husband Gabe and his young son Henry. Gabe's parents have a bucolic estate in Pennsylvania with extensive gardens and lovely cottages, perfect for Summer's rest and rejuvenation. Gabe's three brothers and their partners are coming to Pennsylvania too, and it should be a lovely gathering. But something's not quite right when Summer meets her brother-in-law's fiancée Hannah, another actress. Summer is sure they've met before, yet the alluring Hannah denies it, without any apparent reason for the deception. When a family member dies suddenly, this likable group begins to show subtle signs of distrust and jealousy. Summer is convinced the death was not an accident. Then a second death at the estate leaves no question. VERDICT White (The Secrets You Keep) creates a twisty family drama that maintains subdued tension as Summer seeks answers. While the novel is not exceptional, and the conclusion takes too long to wrap up dangling details, it is a welcome addition to popular fiction collections.--Gloria Drake, Oswego P.L. Dist., IL