Ann DiPietro: Gold Coast gambit

Dear Great Book Guru,

I have recently moved to the area and I was wondering if there are any books set in Sea Cliff, Bayville, Glen Cove, or Locust Valley? And yes … I love a good mystery! 

- New to the North Shore

Dear New to the North Shore, 

There is a great new book - part of a series by Kevin Wade, “One Good Eye,” that I’m sure you will enjoy.   

Jeep Mullane is chief of police of a territory that covers a number of the villages on the Gold Coast of Long Island. Jeep grew up in Bayville where his father had been a legendary part of the police force.   

After a stint as a New York City detective and the death of his father, Jeep returns to his hometown to take on the mantle of police chief. He soon becomes enmeshed in the lives of his childhood friends - one in particular: Jenny Racine. 

Jenny and he share many secrets from long ago which are revealed gradually in alternating chapters spanning twenty-five years. We soon learn that Jenny and Jeep’s lives were profoundly impacted by a car accident when they were teens.   

Jenny was grievously injured, losing an eye - hence the “one good eye.” When the book opens, we learn that she has become very rich and very famous and…. has just been victim of a violent assault and home invasion.   

Mysteriously, she refuses to allow the police to investigate. When the attacks continue, Jeep feels he must become involved. The many secrets he uncovers only complicate his role as police chief and keeper of the peace.   

While the action takes place over a mere five days, the background of twenty-five years of a shared history enriches this tale immensely. Highly recommended! 

Would you like to ask the Great Book Guru for a book suggestion? Contact her at annmdipietro@gmail.com.