Helpless

A Hollywood heavyweight’s reunion with her former flame turns dangerous in this provocative if problematic page-turner from bestseller Knoll (Bright Young Women). Actor/writer/director Faye Heron returns to her alma matter in the Adirondacks for the first time in 12 years to speak at the funeral of her mentor, film professor Patrick Toner. In attendance is Patrick’s hunky nephew, Henry Spalding, a college ex of Faye’s whom she’s never completely gotten over. Despite Faye’s enviable career and marriage to her writing/producing partner, all it takes is one look into Henry’s ink-blue eyes to arouse her dormant, decade-old lust. But instead of the X-rated romp Faye fantasizes about, she wakes up woozy and locked inside Henry’s isolated cabin. At first blush, it seems like Faye is in dire straits. But is she? Kidnapping, blackmail, and murder enter the frame as Knoll unfurls her devious tale, but the high degree of gamesmanship between the leads makes it increasingly difficult to distinguish between real danger and role-play. The whiplash-inducing twists are fun for a while, but the plot’s uncomfortable sexual dynamics eventually become a liability, and Faye and Henry feel more like plot devices than three-dimensional characters. Readers will hope Knoll’s next outing marks a return to form. Agent: Alyssa Reuben, WME. (July)