This book is truly extraordinary - at once gripping, poignant, and rich with human insights. A novel that combines significant elements of two fascinating genres: the mystery story blended with a tale of supernatural horror.
The Diviner's Tale
by Bradford Morrow
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
January 2011
Cassandra Brooks is a diviner. Her father Nep is a diviner. There have been many diviners in the paternal branch of the Brooks family - all have been men. She is the first female in a lineage that extended unbroken back to the nineteenth century. While dowsing the land in a lonely forest valley in upstate New York Cassandra comes upon the shocking vision of a young girl hanged from a tree. When she returns with the authorities to the site, the body had vanished, leaving in question Cassandra's credibility, if not her sanity. The next day, on a return trip with the sheriff to have another look, a dazed, mute, missing girls emerges from the woods and is the very picture of Cassandra's hanged girl.
To match matters worse, Cassandra's father had dementia and is slowly fading away. In order to avoid the condemnations of the public, she and her boys flee to the coast. Problems seems to follow her - is she paranoid, hallucinating or plain insane, What follows will lead this gifted young woman, the struggling mother of twin boys, hurling towards a path she's long since thought was behind her and an unorthodox murder mystery. When Cassandra's dark forebodings take on tangible form, she is forced to confront a life spiraling out of control. She is soon locked in a mortal chess match with a real-life killer who has haunted her most of her life.
Highly recommended. The Diviner's Tale is a unique and important work of art that will enthrall you. Bradford Morrow is a mesmerizing storyteller who casts an irresistible spell. The novel will keep you glued to your chair and turning pages far into the night.
