The Incredible Lady Harriet

The story centers around Anthony Kraemer, a young student of anthropology from Alaska. He receives an invitation from a mysterious Lady Harriet to paint her portrait, for a great amount of money. Lady Harriet resides on a small unknown island, somewhere north-east of the Exuma Islands in the Caribbean. Although Anthony has never heard of this lady, he accepts the assignment immediately, for the offer is too good to turn down. Upon his arrival on Cornwell Island, things appear somewhat exaggerated and comical, even mystical to him. The hotel staff seems to be informed about every detail of Lady Harriet's life and about every move she makes. The entire population of the island seems to be charmed by her, there's no conflict, no dispute of any kind. Anthony soon gets to know the lady and her staff on the estate and sort of falls in love with all of them in various degrees. Library articles and newspaper clippings confirm Lady Harriet is indeed the incredible lady she is made out to be and more. Yet, it is Hannah, the remarkable cook and personal assistant to Lady Harriet that gives him sleepless nights, and he can't wait to see more of her. The people Anthony meets all except and welcome him, and Anthony feels at home and comfortable on the island. Hannah's life becomes unraveled and his own dreams seem to fall apart in the unraveling. The story that follows is somewhat convoluted with a trillion twists and surprises. It makes it hard for the reader to put the book down. It is filled with whimsical and witty humor, as well as romance and true love, but also hardship and murder too close to home. It makes this book haunting and unforgettable. The reader becomes intensely involved and mesmerized, looking for more as the story unfolds.