Eden Close

I wasn't sure what to expect with a title like “Eden Close”. Initially I thought it referred to a place in England. But, it really refers to a character's name in the book.

The book tells the story of Eden Close, adopted as a child, hated by her mother and loved by her father. She lived in a rural town and was known to be a bit of a tease. The boys crushed after her, including Andrew, her next door neighbor. One night, guns shots were heard next door to Andrew's that left Mr. Close dead and Eden blind. The truth about what happened that night - who was responsible - remained a mystery.

Suspicion about what happened that night made the rounds through the town, and was still the subject of gossip on the residents' lips as Andrew discovered 17 years later when he returned to his childhood home to pack up his deceased mother's house and settle her estate. At this stage in his life he had been through a divorce and trying to work through his own troubles. Eden was still living next door with her mother. Feelings Andrew had about Eden resurface...the mystery as to what happened also is revealed.

I was into the book from the beginning - a great bathtub read.