Expats

Expats
By Chris Pavone
Crown, 2012. 327 pgs. Fiction
Quitting her job is only the first major change required of Kate when her husband’s new job in Luxembourg takes the family out of the country and to a whole new life. Now a stay-at-home mom, she tries to create a circle of friends among the other expats and adjust. But she is still uncomfortable. She is uncomfortable with the mysterious nature of her husband’s work. She is uncomfortable trusting her new acquaintances, especially Bill and Julia whose sudden appearance seems far too convenient. Finally, her curiosity and unease lead her back to the professional skill she so recently abandoned. Skills that may save her family’s lives.
This was a fantastic thriller! The storytelling is exciting and energetic switching time periods often and slowly unveiling Kate’s past, present, and future. Kate herself is a great character with more depth than would be expected from this type of novel. She is a wife and mother, but has also had a shady past that puts her family at risk while simultaneously giving her the skills to keep them safe. This is a great first novel and I look forward to more from this promising new author.

CZ