BOOK REVIEW

Touch of Fate is a smooth, flawlessly written paranormal mystery novel by Christine Amsden. The book revolves around Marianne Waters, a recently divorced mother who can predict future events through random signs. Unfortunately, life has proven again and again that she cannot change the future, nor can she ignore the signs she senses. Her only recourse is to record the signs, make predictions, and watch as they come to pass. This inability to use her predictions for good drives her into depression, and she packs up her daughter and moves to St. Louis to start a new life.

As the tale progresses, Ms. Amsden does an excellent job of creating delightful tension. The reader is fully grounded in the events unfolding around Marianne, anxious to see where the story goes. Other characters sometimes steal the stage throughout the book, but their points of view only add to the suspense. As the story weaves between Marianne and the other key characters, the reader can only guess what might happen next.

This book is easy to slip into and hard to put down. If you enjoy a good mystery with a strong paranormal influence, this is an excellent find.

-- Jennifer Dawson