In the summer of 1967, something happened to change the Mortland sisters and those who loved -- and hated -- them. Little Maisie wanders their home, talking to the ghosts who walk its halls and grappling to add order to her world with her sharp intellect. Too young yet for love, she watches as her two older sisters play with its fire, finding their feelings confusing and the side effects of their dalliances uncomfortable.

Finn, the middle sister, is the quiet one who stands apart from her volatile family. She's danced around a love affair with Dan, but Maisie sees her with their family friend, Lucas. Julia, the eldest, uses her excruciating beauty as a weapon, her sharp tongue as a dart.

THE SISTERS MORTLAND is one of the most intriguing books I've read in years. A little confusing in its beginning, you're so quickly pulled into the world of Maisie, Finn and Julia, as well as the three men who circle in and out of their lives, that you'll be lucky to get a good night's sleep before turning the final page. As a writer, I found myself re-reading phrases and paragraphs, marveling at the effortless descriptions that Ms. Beauman used to build the Mortland world. If for no other reason, that's incentive enough to visit this book. But then add in brooding characters and a plot that leaves you guessing and you've got a sure-fire winner. I loved this book in all its moody darkness and highly recommend it.