ECONOGAL

Star Flight, an intriguing suspense novel from Phyllis A. Whitney was published thirty years ago. Somehow, I missed it then and in all the years since.  Because Whitney penned seventy novels in her lifetime, there may be others I have yet to discover. She is a master in the genre of romantic suspense.

Chimney Rock in North Carolina is the setting for the novel. The area is beautiful, yet the rugged outcropping adds a sense of danger, at least for those with a fear of heights. Whitney’s description of the land and waters around this popular Appalachian destination will stir memories of past visitors and ignite interest in those who have yet to visit.

The history of the area serves as fictional background. A sensational setting for modern day movies could easily have attracted long ago Hollywood magnates. Reality gives plausibility to all novels.

Lauren Castle travels to Lake Lure and the Chimney Rock area for closure. Deaths of both her husband and maternal grandmother occurred in the vicinity separated by generations. She discovers neither one was accidental. And her quest to find the truth places her in danger.

But another draw to the area is a long-ago love, Gordon Heath. Years ago, she chose the safe path and still regrets the decision. Lauren seeks a second chance.

A further complication is the aging grandfather who chose to remain with his wife instead of leaving with the mistress pregnant with his child. The complexities of the various relationships play a large part in complicating Lauren’s search for the truth.

Star Flight is the story of a long-ago Lover’s Triangle, two beautiful women vying for the attention of a Hollywood Star. Adulation, from secondary characters, complicates untangling the past as memories are compromised by loyalties. The author throws in otherworldly occurrences adding mystery and pushing the readers suspension of disbelief. Recent stirrings of alien life in the press gives the novel a timeliness often lost in modern fiction.

Star Flight is the title of several novels, so including Phyllis Whitney is imperative in an online search. The book is still available in ebook form as well as on sites such as Etsy and Amazon. Perhaps libraries still have copies as well. I found this copy as I was inventorying the personal library of my late parents. Still puzzled as to how I could have missed it for the last thirty years, I enjoyed a few hours of escape from reality with a favorite author not read in a long time.