"Hate and its host feed upon one another. But hate feasts the fullest. It makes endless demands. It gnaws."
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Shadow Fade by John Stuart Goldenberg ATSS Publications
book review by Maria A. Hughes
Set in the glitz and glamour of the French Riviera, Goldenberg concocts a suspenseful murder mystery that intertwines the repercussions of repressing childhood trauma and the desire for both revenge and acceptance, while exploring the dynamics of relationships and the philosophical quandaries of good and evil. Ranny and David Woods are rich expatriates who settle Coirón, France's version of Beverly Hills, after months of traveling. Despite its beauty and extravagance, there is a murderer brutally killing young, rich, wives when they are alone. Believed to initially be the attacks of a wild beast, no one takes it the motion of a murderer seriously until Alain, the chief investigator, is put on the case. He suspects that the Woods know something regarding the murders.
David, unlike his extroverted wife, desperately seeks an escape from family visits and parties by revisiting his childhood passion for paleontology. Unfortunately, the price of his hobby is that he is hardly home. After David's aunt reveals a terrible truth regarding David's past, Ranny becomes worried that David is keeping a secret from her, one that involves the murders. As she starts to draw conclusions, Ranny decides to take control of the situation before Alain makes the same discovery.
Goldenberg does an impressive job of devising intelligent, witty, multi-faceted characters. The novel is delightfully spiced with the French language, adding flavor to the author's depiction of the landscape and culture. This book will appeal to those who appreciate a good mystery with fresh characters set against a beautiful backdrop.