The Last Winter of Dani Lancing

The Last Winter of Dani Lancing by P. D. Viner promises to join the ranks of the 
novels written by Tana French, A. S. A. Harrison and Gillian Flynn. In terms of 
suspense, in terms of grabbing the reader's attention before hurdling them toward
the precipice of a conclusion, I suppose this would be true. But, I found this 
novel by P. D. Viner ought to be read for more than the plot alone. A plot, by the 
way, which made me feel far less manipulated than the unbelievably 
frustrating conclusion created by Gillian Flynn in Gone Girl.
The Last Winter of Dani Lancing poses as a thriller, but to me is also a
fascinating look at what it means to love. Or, rather, what twisted forms 
love can take. Intertwined together throughout the novel are the relationships 
between Dani and her parents, Dani and a childhood friend who has always
loved her, as well as Dani and the man she loved. While I found myself 
unsympathetic toward Dani herself, my heart broke at the tremendous grief 
suffered by those who loved her, especially her mother. The repercussions of 
their grief seemed never ending.

A counterpart to the mother's grief at the absence of her daughter is Dani's father, 

whosees and converses with Dani in his home even after she has died. It's almost 
believable to me That their close relationship could continue even though one is 
living and one is dead. It mattered not if he simply imagined the presence of his 
daughter; I could Imagine her there with him as well.

I'm curious as to the cover of this novel, a cover which resembles Haruki Murakami's

novel 1Q84. Why have Dani peeking out through bits of paper? Perhaps because 
there is so much of her life to be uncovered.

The Last Winter of Dani Lancing will be published on October 8, 2013. It is a

psychological thriller which I found much more palatable than the novels Tana 
French or Gillian Flynn have written. Well done, Mr. Viner.