I think Diane Chamberlain is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. I read The Lost Daughter previously, then downloaded The Bay At Midnight without realising it was by the same author.
The story starts with Julie Bauer receiving an unexpected visitor who brings information that takes her back to her childhood, and the night her older sister Isabel was murdered - the memories of which still haunt her, and which shaped the person she has become.
The story flashes back and forth between that summer, spent at Julie's family's cottage by the sea, and the present day, as questions arise over what actually happened that night, and who was responsible. Julie then sets off on a journey to discover the truth, much to the unease of Lucy, while keeping it from her mother, who never speaks of that horrific night on the bay. It also visits Julie's mother's (Maria's) own childhood spent in the very same summer house, unveiling some very surprising relationships and secrets. The way the story is narrated by the three main female characters; Julie, Lucy and Maria, is very effective, as you get to see the same events from different perspectives.
There are so many twists and turns in this book, I couldn't put it down. The characters are so real, you get caught up in every sub-plot, and then everything is richly woven together in a very satisfying, albeit surprising conclusion. I particularly enjoyed the way Chamberlain portrayed the different family relationships, and the true emotions bubbling beneath the surface.
A brilliant read - I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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