Gut wrencher full of mystery

At first, you might get the impression that this is one of those medical ‘How-to’ books... but don’t put it down just yet.

Title: House Rules
Author: Jodi Picoult
Publisher: Hachette
Price: Rs 595

At first, you might get the impression that this is one of those medical ‘How-to’ books... but don’t put it down just yet. The story slowly progresses into a mystery. A well-researched book, this one has the hallmarks of a best-seller.

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The story is told through the eyes of all the main characters — Emma, the mother; Jacob, the autistic teenager; Theo, the younger brother; and Rich, the cop. More characters come in as you read on.

It’s not just about autism, though the author has treated the subject in a refreshingly different manner. Picoult’s language is smooth and relaxed. The untangled writing maintains the pace of a mystery, and yet remains the kind of book you savour.