Despair and hopelessness on every page

Set in small town America with a style and feel similar to John Grisham. Vincent King is released after 30 years incarceration for the killing of the sister of his then girlfriend Star. He could have served less but in a self sacrificial bid to punish himelf (Sissy was the victim of a road accident, with Vincent the driver) he elects to remain inside for the term. Meanwhile Star leads a unenviable life, singing in the local bar and selling personal services to cash ready punters. Her two children Duchess and Robin must show early responsibility and Duchess is always looking after her younger sibling. The local arm of the law the depressive Chief Walker (known as Walt to his friends, and himself suffering an unknown illness) feels it is duty to watch over Star. He believes deep down that Vincent is a good man (perhaps someone could tell Vince!) An unexpected event occurs that gives rise to suspicion and hate, and the world of Duchess and Robin is altered dramatically. I found little to enjoy in this book, with sadness and hopelessness on every page apart fom an isolated happy moment at the end.....I almost gave up in dispair......I think i'll stick to Mr Grisham in future!

An old book for the modern era :)

I cannot believe that I have not read this amazing book before and equally that it was published in 1859! The Woman in White reads like a modern day psychological thriller with the story being told first person by the cast of characters. It is more a mystery than a crime thriller (but crime is committed in abundance!) with a strong storyline. Walter Hardwright had been sent to tutor Laura and Marian at the Fairlie home in Cumberland. On the day before he departs he meets a strange lady out walking, who gives him a warning and promptly disappears. Arriving in Cumberland he notices a strange resemblance between Laura and the ghostly woman in white. Walter is attracted to Laura but she is betrothed to Sir Percival Glyde, a rogish individual with a secret agenda. Although the book is some 750+ pages in length the writing is taut, filled with tension that truly keeps the reader at the end of his seat...along the way some wonderful personalities appear in the form of Count Fosco (what is his hold over Percival?) his strange compliant wife, and the weak despicable Freddie Fairlie, Laura's uncle and guardian who seems determined to consent to the wedding of Laura and Percival even though Laura has many doubts. So will true love find a way to bloom? only Marian holds the key and together with Walter they seek to find the truth behind the scheming of Percival and Rosco...Wonderful book and highly recommended.