Sally Smith O’Rourke The Maidenstone Lighthouse

The Maidenstone Lighthouse

Sally Smith O'Rourke

Kensington, Sep 2007, $14.00

ISBN: 9780758220646

Grief stricken by the tragic death of her beloved Bobby in a plane crash over the Pacific and lacking closure as his body and those of the other victims were never found, Susan Mark needs time away from the memories of her fianc that is everywhere. She heads to property she inherited from her great aunt in Freedman's Cove, Rhode Island. She goes there because her fondest memories were the summers she spent there.

To her shock, the ghost of an ancestor visits Sue, who learns the spirit died tragically. Sue also meets childhood summer friend Dan Freedman. With his help, she begins to accept her loss and move on with her life. However, as Sue and Don fall in love, a second tragedy leaves Sue shattered once again.

Two mysteries, past and present, make for a wonderful contemporary tale starring a likable protagonist who when she sees the apparition for the first time wonders if she is losing her mind due to her grief. Sue owns the exciting well written story line as she struggles to find solace only to deal with a hundred year old mystery and her growing attraction to dependable Dan; ironically the first somewhat occupies her mind while the second her heart but also makes her feel guilty that she is deserting Bobby. THE MAIDENSTONE LIGHTHOUSE is an entertaining amateur sleuth paranormal romance.

Harriet Klausner