Sidney Sheldon's The Tides of Memory    by Sidney Sheldon & Tilly Bagshawe Order:  USA  Can William Morrow, 2013 (2013) Hardcover, e-Book     Reviewed by Bob Walch Having already published three bestselling novels based on Sidney Sheldon's work and notes, Tilly Bagshawe obviously has the formula down pat. The Los Angeles writer has mastered Sheldon's voice and style while creating original, fresh plots and new, striking characters that even Sheldon's most ardent fans have given a thumbs up to. In The Tides of Memory, Bagshawe introduces Alexia De Vere, a successful woman with a past that threatens to destroy everything she has worked so hard to achieve. The novel begins with the tragic death of the young son of an American politician. Although no one is to blame for the accidental drowning, the child's father is intent on seeing that someone pays for his horrible accident. Fast forward forty years and we go to England to meet Alexia De Vere, the conservative party's newest superstar. Recently appointed Home Secretary, the wife of a wealthy British aristocrat is nearly at the top of the political ladder she's spent years climbing. Closing in on sixty, Alexia has a few issues at home, like a disabled daughter, who is now confined to a wheelchair after a failed suicide attempt; and a son whose entrepreneurial pursuits could have negative consequences for the family. Not only is the new Home Secretary not exactly loved or respected by her colleagues in the cabinet, but the Prime Minister himself, also no longer seems fully committed to supporting her. As we see, Alexia is dealing with problems on a number of fronts, but this is only the tip of the iceberg. It seems someone is out to physically harm Alexia and those close to her. Is this a manifestation of jealousy or politically motivated in some manner? Perhaps, but the more you get to know this intriguing character the more you realize she is harboring some secrets she dare not even share with those who are closest to her. If she doesn't get a handle on the situation Alexia will lose more than just a brilliant career - there are lives at stake here. Plenty of twists and surprises are in store for the reader as this beguiling tale unfolds and the life of Alexia De Vere comes into focus. 'All tragic heroes or heroines have a blind spot,' explains Bagshawe. 'Alexia's particular blind spot is one that I more usually associate with men than women ...' I'll let you discover what the nature of this blind spot is, but as you'll see, it is not only plausible but it can also cause a myriad of problems for any male or female! Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews