Tigers in Red Weather by LIZA KLAUSSMANN is an evocative and terrifically plotted debut novel. Set in post-world war II America, Nick and her cousin Helena are hopeful for the future. Helena is leaving for Hollywood and a new marriage, and Nick is to be reunited with her husband. Everything is about to change. The world was on fire during the war, but now the flames have been extinguished, and the cousins are confronted with the reality and monotony of their married lives. Until their children discover a body… The story centres upon sultry summers spent at Tiger House, the old family estate on Martha’s Vineyard. A place for hiding secrets and violence. Betrayal, despair and resentment simmer beneath the glamorous façade of summer fashions and chilled martinis. The tension builds as heat and boredom, adoration and obsession create an oppressive atmosphere. Told from the points of view of five different characters, the plot is complex and multi-faceted, filled with twists and turns that slowly reveal character flaws and culminate in an unexpected conclusion. Klaussman’s portrayal of casual cruelty is what I found made this mystery so chilling and utterly compelling. I couldn’t put it down!
About Vanessa Westermann
Vanessa is a Canadian crime writer. She is the author of Cover Art and other books. At the heart of all of her stories are strong female protagonists.