The high flyer (by Susan Howatch)

(Amazon UK link)

Susan Howatch is one of my favourite modern writers. Her books are psychological masterpieces, plumbing the depths of human frailties and weaknesses. Yet at the same time they have an encouraging message of hope.

'The High Flyer', is a sort of sequel to 'A Question of Integrity'.  It's not necessary to have read it first; this one would stand alone without difficulty, as it focuses mainly on completely new characters. But it's classed as the second in the 'St Benet's' trilogy, and there's more depth of understanding from having read the first one beforehand.

Carter Graham is the main protagonist in this novel. She is an efficient business manager, married to someone similar. After introducing them, the book takes us back temporarily to their courtship, and the tensions they've had. These are exacerbated by an ex-wife who seems determined to cause trouble.

As Carter discovers more and more about her husband's past, she becomes increasingly worried. Occult links appear, and when she finally decides to talk to the ex-wife, she is prevented from doing so in a shocking way.

The plot moves rapidly towards an exciting climax, even if it does seem a little melodramatic in places. Nick, Lewis and Alice (characters from 'A Question of Integrity') appear, seen from Carter's viewpoint. But there's not much directly about them in this book.

'The High Flyer' is rather different from Howatch's other books. However I found it gripping and thought it well worth reading.

(You can also read my longer review of 'The High Flyer', which I wrote after re-reading just three years later)