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Laura Lippman's versatility as a writer ascends to a new level with her excellent 22nd novel, "Sunburn," (William Morrow) which ignites as a classic hard-boiled mystery and contemporary domestic thriller.
Lust, deceit and the simple quest for happiness rule the plot as "Sunburn" works well as an homage to Raymond Chandler, James M. Cain and Anne Tyler. Lippman delves into a study of contrasts with a story that's as cynical as it is hopeful, a look at hearts of darkness coupled with a domestic thriller.
At the center of "Sunburn" is Polly Costello who walks away from her husband, Greg, and their 3-year-old daughter, Jani, during a beach vacation.
Polly doesn't get far -- the small Delaware town of Belleville, which has little besides a main street and the diner, where she gets a job as a waitress. It's what she needs -- no stress, no one she has to take care of, just enjoying "steeping herself in silence" when she's not at work. She doesn't want a man, nor need one. Then Adam Bosk walks into the diner.
Adam and Polly's secrets are doled out in small revelations, making "Sunburn" even more intriguing. Murder, insurance, investigators and hidden loves come to the forefront as the characters struggle with their identities. The ingenious plot evolves into myriad twists that are as believable as they are surprising.
Lippman's tight control delivers one of the year's most intriguing mysteries.