Six Years

Summer is a great time to read a book. Every summer major newspapers and magazines publish lists of "beach reads."  (hint: internet search -- 2013 beach reads to find these lists)  There is a surprising variety of suggested books, including Always Looking: Essays on Art by John Updike and the far less serious Bad Monkey by Carl Hiassen. In southern Arizona we have a lot of sand, but sadly no beach. It is much too hot, too windy, or too rainy to go outside, which makes it the perfect time to stay inside, crank up the air conditioning, get a glass of sun tea, and read a book.

My suggestion for a beach (make that monsoon) read is Harlan Coben's new stand-alone book, Six Years. Six years ago, Jake Fisher watched the love of his life marry someone else. He has tried to move on with his life. He finished his education and became a respected college professor. His academic life is a success, but his personal life is less than satisfying. He has never forgotten his true love, Natalie. Six years after the wedding, Jake sees an obituary for Natalie's husband in the college paper. He is surprised to learn that Natalie's husband, Todd Sanderson, was a highly respected alumnus of the college. Jake decides to go to the funeral in Savannah, Georgia. What he discovers completely unnerves him. Dr. Todd Sanderson and his wife Delia had been happily married for many years and had two teenage children. Todd Sanderson was murdered. No one has heard of Natalie. She has simply vanished. Jake makes the not so wise choice to look for her. He discovers that there are others who also want to find Natalie. They do not play nice. This book has enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end. Perfect for a summer read.