The Shadow of August

When Mattie's mother dies of cancer Mattie is left alone, save for her boyfriend, Bram. Together they try to unravel the mysteries she is faced with: details of her childhood which do not ring true; shadowy figures who have occupied her consciousness for as long as she can remember. This is a convincing read - both plot and characters hold the reader's attention. However, a parallel narrative thread gives far too much away too early and the denouement is thus too readily anticipated.