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Blood Sins, One Fifth Avenue

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: April 1, 2009

Kay Hooper tells a terrifying story in "Blood Sins" about the power of a charismatic cult leader called Rev. Samuel. Samuel has gathered his flock behind a fortified compound in the mountains in a small town named Grace. At least two women who lived in Grace have been found murdered in a way scientists can't explain. The Rev. Samuel is a known psychopath who possesses strange powers. Unable to approach him in an ordinary manner, the FBI enlists Tessa Gray to pretend to be a wealthy, grieving widow, seeking solace. The want her to infiltrate the compound and use her own psychic power to gain information. Tessa finds her powers are no match for the Rev. Samuel but Tessa has the courage to face this monster in hopes of rescuing children who are being held in the compound. One of the residents of "One Fifth Avenue" by Candace Bushnell describes the aging building as "being clean, authoritative and implying -- class and money and prestige." Not just anyone can live there. You have to be rich and or famous and to be accepted. You have to meet the approval of the older residents who also establish all the rules. The residents are described as being so greedy and filled with envy they will do anything to destroy each other or anyone who doesn't conform to their expectations. The media is also very involved in the story reporting the gossip about who's sleeping with whom and when and where. Seemingly happy marriages are exposed as bursting at the seams as passion leads to blatant adultery. The desire for money, recognition and even notoriety drives the residents to make rash decisions and uncomfortable liaisons. The surprise ending doesn't really solve problems but will at least lead to some changes in the drama at One Fifth Avenue.

Marie Wood is a book reviewer for The Sun. She may be reached at WoMarie@aol.com.

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