New England White - Stephen L Carter

Published by Jonathan Cape/Random House: London, 2007.

This is the third book I've read by Stephen L Carter, and he is becoming a favourite author of mine. His books are mystery/thrillers in the vein of John Grisham (who apparently is a fan), without so much of a focus on courtrooms. So far, so straightforward, but Carter takes this basic template to tell stories that have a bit "more to say" than your average book in this genre (though Grisham can also have 'something to say' as well!). 

In this, his second novel, we follow Julia Carlyle, the wife of the ambitious and somewhat distant Lemaster Carlyle. Julia is a dean in the divinity department of a New England university, of which Lemaster is president - the couple are among the few African-Americans to live in the area. On the way home from a function one evening, they come across the body of Kellen Zant, a fellow professor and Julia's ex-lover (from before she knew Lemaster). This sets off a chain of events which ripple into mystery upon mystery - who killed Kellen? Does it have any connection to one of Lemaster's college room-mates - one of whom is currently the President of the United States and the other of whom is planning to run against him? Why has Kellen left mirrors for Julia? And what does all this have to do with the thirty year old murder of Gina Joule? Tied into all this, although it is not clear how closely to begin with, is the mystery surrounding Lemaster and Julia's daughter Vanessa - formerly an A student - who spent some time writing a paper on Gina Joule and has subsequently had some sort of break-down. 

As with his other books, Carter makes space for commentary on racial issues, left-wing vs right-wing politics and faith, and he continues to argue both sides of the issue well, rather than simply trumpeting his own views. I find his take and insights refreshing and occasionally challenging.

All of which elevate his novels above the average novel in this genre.

Maybe not as good as The Emperor of Ocean Park, but still very enjoyable. Worth a read.

Completed 21 January 2023.



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