a high tech guru morphs reality and sexual fantasy for his 'fin de siecle' devotees on a remote island enclave off san francisco. off-beat, provocative theme, steady pacing and a narrative which shows a depth of insight and introspection beyond the norm.

This was my first Laura Di Palma book and probably not my last, in spite of my tepid enthusiasm for it. I have never been a fan of formula mysteries, ala Lawrence Sanders, and this effort is certainly not formulized. It is more a stroll through the emotionally confused mind of Ms. Di Palma as the events around her twist and turn about the thin plot. I found her relationship with McGuin in the last half of the book particularly vague and frustrating. Her visits from one disfunctional family gathering to another was torturous. It is Ms. Matera's writing style that will bring me back for more.