A Distant Echo

About the Book

A childhood tragedy affects the lives of young neighbors many years later. Kerry Kirby is having difficulties coping with her life as a literary agent in New York because of intense nightmares. Having no memory of part of her childhood, she seeks the help of a psychologist, Dr. Haniford, who treats his patients with humor and hypnosis. Through a mutual acquaintance, Kerry is introduced to Ellen Metcalf, a former neighbor she does not remember, but who is on a mission of her own. When Kerry was five years old, Ellen’s brother, Chris, suffocated in an old well at the back of Kerry’s property. Although Chris’ death was ruled accidental, Ellen is convinced that Kerry is somehow responsible. Chris was a nasty bully who delighted in grabbing Kerry’s favorite doll and sometimes mutilating it. Ellen is writing a book about her brother and delivers several chapters to the literary agency. Fear engulfs Kerry as she reads it and senses Ellen is out for revenge. No wonder she can remember nothing about the tragedy. Could she as a small child have committed some horrible crime? It seems the answer can only be found at the scene of the tragedy itself -- the old well.

About the Author

A former editor with AT&T, Mary K. Baxter, is the author of three published novels and a collection of short stories. She is also a former teacher, a world traveler, a Yankee fan, a jazz lover, and a gardener. A former manager of the Somerset Valley Orchestra, she has been playing the clarinet for over twenty years. Mary has two grown daughters, and lives in a beautiful valley in New Jersey.