There are any number of moments in Nicola Davison’s gripping debut novel, In the Wake, when characters realize that things will probably not end well if they continue on the path they are following, and yet, against the advice of others, against common sense, and sometimes even against their own best interests, they stubbornly stick to that path. The novel begins with Emily and Daniel returning to Nova Scotia after several years living out west because of Daniel’s career. They have purchased a house in a coastal community located about 20 miles from Halifax, on a treed promontory overlooking the ocean. In stark contrast to the traditional structures nearby, the house they’ve purchased is a modern anomaly: its exterior composed primarily of glass, its interior designed on an open concept—of interest architecturally but hardly practical. Their closest neighbour, Linda, recently widowed, lives alone, though her home also serves as a refuge for her son Tom, who suffers from periodic and debilitating bouts of mental illness. With Daniel at work in the city or traveling on work-related business, Emily is left on her own for long stretches with the couple’s 3-year-old son, Ryan, an active toddler with a vivid life of the imagination, and their dog Hoover. In a short time, Emily and Linda, whose health is fragile, have formed a close bond built on necessity and mutual trust, which strengthens as the story progresses. The novel is narrated from Emily and Linda’s perspectives, in alternating episodes. Both characters are struggling with past traumas, which have left them guilt-ridden and emotionally vulnerable, and both carry complex backstories, which are revealed bit by bit. Then Tom comes home to live with his mother. When he is not in the grip of his illness, his presence provides a welcome distraction for Emily, and he enjoys spending time with Ryan, a circumstance that makes Daniel not just uneasy and suspicious, but also leaves him on the outside looking in. In the Wake is not a conventional suspense novel, but Nicola Davison builds considerable tension by bringing these characters together at a vital turning point in all their lives, with major decisions (as well as a major storm) looming on the horizon and each struggling with private demons. Don’t be surprised to find yourself holding your breath as the action approaches its gut-wrenching climax. ( )