The Blue Hour

A beautifully rendered story of deceit and ambition, lies and mysteries. Well-known artist Vanessa Chapman lives on an island off Scotland that’s accessible only 12 hours a day, during low tide. When the sea returns, it creates its own, albeit temporary, closed circle. Twenty years ago, Vanessa’s sometime husband disappeared, which was a bit of a surprise, although he seemed to regularly come and go. When Vanessa eventually dies as well, she leaves her estate in the hands of the Fairburn Foundation; young curator James Becker; and Grace Haswell, a doctor who is the executor of Vanessa’s estate, companion of twenty years, and perhaps lover. It’s all antipathy and snark between James and Grace until a discovery comes to light that forces a reexamination of power and ambition. A poignant and thoughtful examination of a life and a death.