Books

What does a rheumatologist know about assassinations? Normally, not much. But while watching the news at home one day, Dr. Paul Allen learns that his son, Daniel, has allegedly shot the Democratic presidential candidate.

Andy Barber considers himself to be a good father. The assistant district attorney has worked hard to establish a comfortable life for his wife and 14-year-old son, Jacob, in their tight-knit New England community.

Imagine returning from a trip to discover life is proceeding as if you had never existed. That’s what happens to Emma Tupper when a month-long trip to Africa turns into a six-month ordeal and she is assumed to be dead.

Clare Wald is a famous South African author, a virtual recluse who spends her days dwelling on her role in the death of her sister and regrets concerning her daughter, who long ago went missing.

In our final chat about Grace McCleen’s debut novel, Alex, Lora and I revel in the brilliance of McCleen’s writing. She beautifully balances the darkness of the book’s themes of bullying and isolation with the humorous, engaging voice of 10-year-old heroine, Judith, and manages to surprise us along the way.