THE ADDRESS by Fiona Davis

A dual storyline does not hamper the suspense in this novel.  The mystery about what happened in the Dakota apartment building in Manhattan a hundred years ago stumps Bailey, a 30-something woman fresh out of rehab.  She is an interior designer trying to get back on her feet by helping her wealthy “cousin” Melinda revamp her apartment.  Actually, Bailey’s grandfather was a ward of Melinda’s great-grandfather, Theodore Camden, who was an architect involved in the opening of the Dakota.  Bailey stumbles upon some old photos and a knife sheath that call into question everything she knows about her roots.  The backstory is that of Sara Smythe, whose prevention of a tragic accident brings her to the attention of Camden, who is staying in the London hotel where Sara works.  He persuades her to come to New York to work at the Dakota, and the two soon become friends and confidants.  At first, I was partial to Sara’s story versus Bailey’s, but Sara’s becomes a bit bizarre.  Bailey’s storyline defies belief also, but she proves to be less naïve than Sara, who seems bent on repeating the mistakes of her mother.  The writing may not be special, but at least it does not detract from the plot.  Both women characters are fully developed, but the plot is what kept my attention, even if it’s not particularly realistic.  Also, I thought the author had a little trouble with both Theodore Camden and Melinda.  They both seem to be kind and caring until they don’t.  Melinda, in particular, shows her true colors early, tempting a susceptible Bailey with drugs and drink.