Sandrine's Case

Sandrine's Case by Thomas H. Cook

Sandrine-Popular French name meaning helper and defender of mankind

No wonder she has been blessed with this name.  Professor Sandrine Madison epitomizes all that is good.  A bohemian beauty, talented, kind, intelligent-a woman who enjoys teaching even the mediocre students that surround her at this small liberal arts college in Georgia.  She dreams of opening her own school someday.  Her husband, Samuel, often wonders why she chose him.  Meek, plain, far from handsome and dynamic, he dreams of writing a great novel while managing to tolerate the average student at the same college. Sandrine sees all this small village has to offer. Thomas,on the other hand, finds the common townspeople beneath him and his lofty goals. The thread that drew this couple to one another is beginning to unravel.

Now Thomas is accused of murdering Sandrine.  He maintains it is a suicide due to extenuating circumstances that were revealed to him months before her death.  Slowly but surely, Thomas sees his life crumbling around him-those residents he clearly rebuffed believe he is guilty, daughter Alexandria looks at him with doubting eyes, and many witnesses come forward at the trial with surprising revelations. His meaningless infidelity comes to light at the expense of others. Thomas begins to question his own innocence, as he relives that tumultuous night Sandrine took her own life.  Her angry words cause sleepless nights, and he begins to realize that perhaps his once tranquil life is over.  He now must now examine the love they once had and put together the puzzling last days of Sandrine's life.

Much of this book takes place in the courtroom as colleagues and neighbors make a case for the prosecution which makes for an easy read.  The cover of the book is definitely provacative.  You will come to understand why.  It is a fascinating tale of two people who have lost the art of communication.

Maybe love prevails even after death.....