Heiress of Nowhere
The main character of this Gothic, part-fantasy, young adult historical novel is 18-year-old Lucy. In 1918 she lives and works on a great estate called Nowhere, owned by Dakon Sanders. The estate, in northwest Washington, includes a grand main house, a thriving shipyard run by Sanders, a church, many smaller structures, and a pristine shoreline. Lucy arrived there as a baby, alone in a green canoe. Sanders took her in, and she has become a talented illustrator of his favorite plants and animals. Lucy can communicate with the local orcas even while she sketches them.
From time to time, severed seal heads show up on beaches, and one otherwise “ordinary” day, Sanders’ own severed head sits on the shoreline. The initial turmoil of the dead boss grows into greater disarray when it is revealed Sanders has willed his estate and fortune to Lucy. Rumors say a malevolent spirit, working through local orcas, killed Sanders and perhaps others. She knows they are harmless to humans. All manner of staff come under suspicion but are ruled out. The local sheriff focuses on Lucy. She must now find the killer or killers, run the entire estate, try to learn the true story of her parents, and sort out a love triangle of two young men who fight over her.
The many characters, helped by delightful names such as “Mrs. Bonefat” for the head housekeeper, all come to life. Beautiful descriptions of the estate and neighboring islands and seas draw readers into each scene. Lucy’s multiple investigations take her (and readers) down many false leads until almost the very end. Her love triangle might not be needed, but both young men help her find answers. This solid addition to the novels of author Lee should intrigue old and new fans.
