Women readers will be drawn to this story of a divorcee finding the strength to embark on a new life in a new city. Boston's Back Bay, a wealthy and fashionable district, is a distinct character in the book and its stateliness functions as a strong counterpoint to the psychic and criminal elements in the story. Cecelia Tishy is the William R. Kenan, Jr., Professor of English at Vanderbilt University, where she has won the university's prize for excellence in teaching. She is the author of several nonfiction books and articles, as well as the Kate Banning mystery series.