LEAP POINT by Kay Kenyon

Its hard to get much more obscure than Mrs. Kenyon's books. And that's really a shame. She's actually a good writer, and a really nice lady. I became interested in her work at ArmadilloCon in Austin, Texas where she did a one-woman panel on her books and a reading from her upcoming book (which has now been released). When asked what her favorite of her books was, her answer was Leap Point. So naturally, I read it.

Mrs. Kenyon's books are somewhat different than anything else I have read. She mixes elements of horror, science fiction, and dark romance in to her plots with liberal doses. The result is not unlike what Dean Koontz does for horror. You never really know what to expect, but its always a good story.

In Leap Point, the heroine is suspicious of her daughter's death and refuses to accept the status quo, despite everything and everybody around her telling her that the status quo is the only way to survive. Add into this a hometown gaming mogul and a personal, interactive, electronic game that seems to be addictive, an aging widower private detective, American Indian mysticism, and aliens with superior technology and ulterior motives and you've got the makings of a very interesting story.  The twist ending will STILL get ya, though.

I have read a few of Mrs. Kenyon's books now, and so far, I agree with her assessment. Leap Point is my favorite, too. It will never leave you bored because you're always guessing. Its really a fascinating read. Its pure, unadulterated escapism. Maybe that's why I loved it. While its never going to be nominated for an international award, its a good, solid, fun read.