Rainy Lake Rendezvous, by Janet Kay
Psychological drama, 232 pp
May 2020, Independently published
Reviewed by Lisa Lickel, www.LisaLickel.com
Janet Kay’s creepy and delusional ex-lawyer Rob Calhoun, aka Bob Johnson, will make you think twice about taking that vacation in the deep north woods. Rob has never been short of charm, until he divorced his wife for a pregnant girlfriend/wife number two who promptly disappeared with the son he never knew nor cared about. Ten years’ worth of obsessive preparation to rescue Beth, the wife Rob should never have let go, leads to an intriguing, terrifying series of revelations that will keep readers turning pages.
A mysterious message repeats in Bob’s head…Bob has a rendezvous with death. As we learn more about Bob, his ex-wife Beth and new husband Seth, and their young son Jason, the deeper we’re drawn into this tale of spirit guides, premonition, and the results of choices that haunt them. Taking on a new persona, Bob’s careful plot winds across the US-Canada border and onto First Nation lands through the legendary boundary waters and islands of Minnesota and Ontario. Fall and its treacherous weather add to the suspense. Bob justifies his mania by believing Seth must be holding Beth hostage and he must save her.
Seth’s thought-provoking grandmother holds the story together as she whispers to each of them from beyond messages of warning, comfort, and a purpose that needs to be carried out.
A sequel to Waters of the Dancing Sky, echoes of reincarnation from earlier lives complement contemporary events. The profound message of forgiveness, “forgiving others—and yourself—were the keys to letting go of the past and embracing a future filled with endless possibilities” leaves the reader with hope. Kay’s tale of possibilities is recommended for high school-age readers and up who love adventurous drama and mysteries. Mild language and alcohol use.
Reviewer Lisa Lickel writes from the peaceful rolling hills of western Wisconsin. A multi-published, best-selling and award-winning novelist, she also writes short stories and radio theater, occasional articles, is an avid book reviewer, blogger, and a freelance editor. She and her husband travel and enjoy family time.
