Echo Lake, by Joan Sauers

Recently divorced, 40-something Rose has moved from Sydney to a cottage in the NSW southern highlands. There she finds herself entangled in two chilling mysteries, the cold case disappearance of a young woman and the murder of the former owner of Rose’s house – who was a friend of the missing woman. Rose herself is under threat; but is it from the obvious suspect – a local violent crim? Or could it be the charming local real estate agent, or even the attractive and married cop? The writing is very vivid and visual, if somewhat overly descriptive, so it is not surprising to discover the author is a screenwriter. The climax of the plot is wildly improbable and the supernatural elements add little to the story. But it is fast-paced and entertaining and features a very good dog.