Myth

Anna Tyler is in love with Ben, her college roommate. Her other roommate, Lou, invites them to his parents’ lake home during winter break. Ben brings his new girlfriend, Katie. When Anna stomps off into the woods to walk off her anger, she comes across two men, Darren and Pete, who seem to be hunters. Soon Anna finds that she and Darren can read each other’s minds. For reasons Darren won’t reveal, Pete is stalking Anna — and has been for awhile. If Darren touches people, sparks (the dangerous kind) fly. When he touches Anna, she only feels pleasant thrills.

Myth opens like chick lit, but McCloskey’s witty writing soon pulls a reader into a delightful mystery/thriller with a surprising plot twist in every chapter; Anna is not who she thought she was. Ben is not who she thought he was. Charming Darren and ominous Pete are full of secrets. Family ties are full of revelations. Who are the good guys? Who are the bad guys? McCloskey keeps you guessing to the last.

Sometimes the narration was over-explanatory; but, for the most part, McCloskey’s writing catches you up in the intrigue. Her settings are vivid. Her characters are full of life. Anna, humorous and poignant by turns, is an enjoyable protagonist to spend time with. And good thing, too: While this is McCloskey’s first novel, it’s the first of a series. McCloskey is a good find.