This is an ambitious first effort from a Midwest author that begins with promise and ends rather obviously. The suspense the reader anticipates through most of the story never quite makes it to the surface, yet there are real sparks of genius in this novel and it certainly has an innovative theme.

Naomi lives in Train Line, a community of mediums and clairvoyant spiritualists. Naomi and her mother are both mediums. Early in the book, the reader learns that Naomi has killed her boyfriend and buried him across the lake in a secluded spot. The rest of the book takes place ten years later when a builder discovers the remains and the speculation as to who it is begins.

There are flashes of brilliant writing--especially the poetic descriptions of people, places (like the lake and the town), and the "art" of professional clairvoyants. Ellis captures the everyday life of people very well without making the reader feel that she is being judgmental. However, the plot never quite takes off; although, Naomi is compelling enough as a character to drive one to finish the book as I did. Her manifestations of guilt and her introspective inner conversations are well-written and ring true. She does get tiresome in parts of the book though.

If you are interested in aspects of the occult as a subject, this book may be a great insight into the people who become practitioners of the "art." This is an author to watch either way.

Lucius Beebe Memorial Library - This page last updated 9/13/00 - lme.