The Carousel

Plot

Best-selling author Belva Plain follows the enormous success of "Whispers" and "Daybreak" with another explosive novel that explores the realities simmering below the surface of a seemingly admirable Amencan family. In the opening pages of "The Carousel" a woman is looking at an exquisite music box, a silver carousel. She is pensive and reflects upon how this beautiful object has linked the momentous events of a family's life. She has married into that family, the Greys, whose successful business is nationally known. The sun has long shone upon the patriarch, Oliver Grey, his two sons Ian and Clive, and his niece and nephew, Amanda and Dan. Oliver has recently handed over control of the business to his two sons and his nephew. Amanda has a non-voting share. Now the sky has clouded over and terrible storms arise as a series of incidents threatens to destroy the family... Amanda is making furious demands upon the business. Ian's greed and his adultery collide with Clive's jealousy. And the five-year-old daughter of Dan and his wife has been the victim of sexual abuse. The Greys, pillars of their upstate New York community, are being torn apart. And before their ordeal comes to an end someone will be the victim of murder. As she did in the enormously successful "Whispers," Belva Plain tells a timely story of a family with a dark and dirty secret. With the additional touches of mystery--a new territory for Belva Plain --"The Carousel" confirms her place as one of our most compelling and popular writers. "The queen of the family saga writers...Belva Plain is in a class by herself." -- "The New York Times,"