West Virginia is a treasure chest of talented fiction writers, the only trouble is, sometimes you just have to look a little harder to find them. Often, I don't think we give our homegrown talent enough attention (although the Book Festival is a welcome change). So I'm always delighted to "discover" a new writer whose focus is on our state.

Some time ago I picked up a paperback by a Wheeling native named Carlene Thompson. What I found was a fast-paced, easy read with the added bonus of the story being set in West Virginia. Since then, I've read several of Thompson's books and have not been disappointed.

Thompson

In her 2001 offering, "Since You've Been Gone," Thompson adds a new twist by giving the heroine a touch of ESP. This paranormal element may sound a little far-fetched, but it blends in well with the murder-mystery theme.

The story begins with Rebecca Ryan returning to her hometown of Sinclair, W.Va., because of her concern for a beloved relative's terminal illness. Thompson delves into the action right away -- while driving to her family home, Rebecca experiences a disturbing vision of a child being kidnapped, which causes her to ram her rental car into a tree during a violent thunderstorm.

After being treated for minor injuries, Rebecca learns that her cousin's son was abducted earlier that evening and has the sickening realization that he was the subject of her vision. As the days drag on without Todd being rescued, Rebecca is reminded more and more of the suspicion her "gift" causes in the small town and the similarities between Todd's kidnapping and the event which caused her to flee years before -- the kidnapping and murder of her brother Jonnie.

Rebecca's frustration builds, not only because of her inability to produce any leads in Todd's abduction but also because of her family members' expectations and resentment of her visions.

Thompson's story makes for a smart mystery, as there is no shortage of suspects in a town that simmers with resentment and jealousy. The action is fast-paced and Rebecca is a likeable and level-headed heroine.

Thompson is an animal-lover, and another interesting feature of her novels is that her heroines always have a canine companion. In "Since You've Been Gone," Rebecca's Shepherd-mix, Sean, is apparently modeled after Thompson's own dog of the same name.

Thompson's mystery is a good fit for the Sunday Book Club's beach-reading theme, and reading a successful West Virginia writer is an added bonus.

To contact Regina C. Davis, use e-mail or call 348-7936.