"Intern" is the story of April Wayne, a young and intelligent aide to a charismatic senator, who disappears one night. She's a girl who has it all but who throws it away for the promise of love from an unattainable man. It is also the story of the women forced into the spotlight of events surrounding her disappearance. Of April's mother, Gloria, who does everything she can to continue the media frenzy around the senator, hoping the attention will help save her daughter. And of Suzanne, the senator's dutiful wife, who has to confront the shocking truth about the man she has devoted her lift to.

Although Hill's debut thriller owes much to the Gary Condit political scandal, she creates more than enough suspense to keep readers intrigued. April Wayne, 23, disappears without a trace while interning for California State Sen. Eric Barry. When the media learn that the senator was the last person to be seen with April and that the two were supposedly having an affair, he becomes their prime suspect. April's parents, Gloria and Jack Wayne, are shocked by the news of their daughter's disappearance and affair, which drives a wedge between them. Gloria becomes consumed with finding April, while Jack descends into a paralyzing depression. Senator Barry worries more about his next election than about April. Suzanne Barry, who has always been loyal to her husband, is overcome with doubt about their life together when she learns that he has been unfaithful. "He gives me one of his dazzlers across the table. I want to believe in the face, the eyes, the voice, but I can't." Suzanne's naivete is implausible, but Hill skillfully draws subtle parallels between Suzanne and Gloria as they both deal with their devastating anxieties and scolding consciences. The resolution may be a bit lurid for some tastes, but that won't make it any easier to put this page-turner down.

A veteran newspaper/magazine columnist and editor, Bonnie Hearn Hill has always been a keen student of American culture and media. Bonnie lives in Fresno, California, with her husband, also an author, and is at work on her next novel.

length: (cm)25 　　　 　　　　　 　 width:(cm)16.6