Recommended for fans of historical mysteries with unique settings. The book offers an atmospheric portrayal of Smuttynose Island and its dark history, interwoven with themes of love and loss. The letters from the sole survivor of the murder adds an emotional depth to the story. Overall, a captivating and haunting read.

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• Orange Prize Nominee for Fiction Shortlist (1998)
• Laurence L. & Thomas Winship/PEN New England Award (1998)

In 1873, on a small bleak island off the rich fishing coast of New Hampshire, two Norwegian women are murdered in a fit of brutal passion. A third, Maren Hontvedt, escapes to witness a local man's execution for the crime.More than a century later, Jean, a Boston photo-journalist, travels to the island on a research assignment to investigate the murder legend. She stumbles upon Maren's translated memoirs, carefully preserved among the faded photographs, mildewed letters and yellowing guidebooks of the Isle of Shoals archives. As she immerses herself in Maren's poignant tale of love and loss, Jean senses haunting echoes of her fading passion and possessive behaviour...

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