Salem Falls
by Jodie Picoult
Hodder & Stoughton, $101
The stranger often makes a good scapegoat, as Jodi Picoult demonstrates in Salem Falls. Set in a tranquil New England town, the novel centres on Jack St Bride, a teacher hoping to start a new life in a new community after having been jailed on a false charge of child molestation. McBride takes a job washing dishes in a diner, and all seems to be going his way until the townsfolk discover his past. Attracting attention of a different sort, the handsome teacher also finds himself in the grip of a group of witchy, lustful teenage girls willing him to them with incantations and the like. Next thing he knows, he's again facing charges of rape. Salem Falls is Picoult's fourth enticing novel with teens in lead or supporting roles. Although this book has received uneven reviews, drawing accusations of sensationalism and criticism of its 'formulaic plot', the author's knack for engrossing narratives has also prompted praise. The Washington Post said: 'Picoult has become a master - almost a clairvoyant - at targeting hot issues and writing highly readable page-turners about them.'
