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Peregrine Island: A Novel
PEREGRINE ISLAND is the recipient of the following 7 literary awards:
2017 Winner of the New York City Big Book Award for Mystery
2017 Best Book Awards Finalist in General Fiction for Fiction, for Literary, and for Mystery & Suspense
2017 Winner of the National Indie Excellence Award for Regional Fiction: Northeast
2017 Distinguished Favorite in Literary Fiction by Independent Press Awards
2017 International Book Awards Finalist for Literary Fiction
2017 National Indie Excellence Award Finalist for Fiction
2017 Bronze Award for US Northeast Fiction from the Independent Publisher (IPPY) Book Awards
Literary Mystery Highlights an Heirloom Painting on Long Island Sound and the Relationships between Three Generations of Women
Part “who-done-it” and part family drama, this award-winning novel reveals that neither people nor paintings are always what they appear to be
Contradictory relationships within troubled families are nothing new, but the award-winning psychological novel written by well-known journalist Diane B. Saxton elevates these relationships and the mysterious heirloom painting that both exposes and unites them to an art form.
Peregrine Island interweaves the stories of three generations of women, one valuable painting, the artist who created it, and those who would do anything to possess it – including kill.
Lush with sensory details, this psychologically complex mystery novel is set on a private island in the middle of Long Island Sound. It begins when the family’s lives are turned upside-down one summer by so-called art experts, who appear on the doorstep of their isolated home to appraise a favorite heirloom painting. When incriminating papers along with two other paintings are discovered behind the painting in question, the appraisal turns into a full-fledged investigation and detectives are called into the case— but not by the family whose members grow increasingly antagonistic toward one another.
During the course of the inquiry and as the summer progresses, the family members discover new secrets about one another and new facts about their past. Above all, they learn that neither people nor paintings can be taken at face value.
2017 Winner of the New York City Big Book Award for Mystery
2017 Best Book Awards Finalist in General Fiction for Fiction, for Literary, and for Mystery & Suspense
2017 Winner of the National Indie Excellence Award for Regional Fiction: Northeast
2017 Distinguished Favorite in Literary Fiction by Independent Press Awards
2017 International Book Awards Finalist for Literary Fiction
2017 National Indie Excellence Award Finalist for Fiction
2017 Bronze Award for US Northeast Fiction from the Independent Publisher (IPPY) Book Awards
Literary Mystery Highlights an Heirloom Painting on Long Island Sound and the Relationships between Three Generations of Women
Part “who-done-it” and part family drama, this award-winning novel reveals that neither people nor paintings are always what they appear to be
Contradictory relationships within troubled families are nothing new, but the award-winning psychological novel written by well-known journalist Diane B. Saxton elevates these relationships and the mysterious heirloom painting that both exposes and unites them to an art form.
Peregrine Island interweaves the stories of three generations of women, one valuable painting, the artist who created it, and those who would do anything to possess it – including kill.
Lush with sensory details, this psychologically complex mystery novel is set on a private island in the middle of Long Island Sound. It begins when the family’s lives are turned upside-down one summer by so-called art experts, who appear on the doorstep of their isolated home to appraise a favorite heirloom painting. When incriminating papers along with two other paintings are discovered behind the painting in question, the appraisal turns into a full-fledged investigation and detectives are called into the case— but not by the family whose members grow increasingly antagonistic toward one another.
During the course of the inquiry and as the summer progresses, the family members discover new secrets about one another and new facts about their past. Above all, they learn that neither people nor paintings can be taken at face value.
- GenresFiction
288 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2016
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548 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 28, 2017
Winter Peregrine lives on an isolated private island with her daughter Elsie and granddaughter Peda off the coast of Connecticut. Winter and Elsie’s relationship is strained as they do not share personal information with each other. Elsie has never revealed the identity of Peda’s father and why he is not a part of their lives. They are all very different people who have gotten used to living separate lives in the same house.
This story is centered around a painting that has been in the family's possession by a famous artist. All her life, Winter has been drawn to the painting and the people portrayed in it. The Getty Museum shows an interest in buying the piece and sends a team of experts to their home for an appraisal. The experts include the painter’s grandson and tensions build as they begin to question its’ authenticity. Many legitimate questions arise about the artist regarding his different styles and his untimely death. As this quiet appraisal turns into an investigation, the plot thickens. The motives of the appraisers are questioned and the Peregrine family members begin to unveil secrets about their past.
This is a beautifully written debut novel by Diane B. Saxton. The chapters alternate in the voices of each of the Peregrine family members. It is an intriguing book filled with elements of family dysfunction, romance, and mystery.
This story is centered around a painting that has been in the family's possession by a famous artist. All her life, Winter has been drawn to the painting and the people portrayed in it. The Getty Museum shows an interest in buying the piece and sends a team of experts to their home for an appraisal. The experts include the painter’s grandson and tensions build as they begin to question its’ authenticity. Many legitimate questions arise about the artist regarding his different styles and his untimely death. As this quiet appraisal turns into an investigation, the plot thickens. The motives of the appraisers are questioned and the Peregrine family members begin to unveil secrets about their past.
This is a beautifully written debut novel by Diane B. Saxton. The chapters alternate in the voices of each of the Peregrine family members. It is an intriguing book filled with elements of family dysfunction, romance, and mystery.
August 4, 2016
Three women inhabit a home on Peregrine Island, a small town on the Connecticut side of the Long Island Sound. The grandmother Winter, daughter Elsie and granddaughter Peda live together but firmly divided by their likes and dislikes, their secrets and their refusal to talk directly about the family history that has divided them, without each realizing that reality. Winter sits every day staring at a painting she deems beautiful, full of characters who mean more to her than her own family. Elsie had disappeared for five years and returned with her daughter Peda, never giving one utterance of her reasons for disappearing or a clue about who her daughter’s father is. An old caretaker and a hidden old man whom others believe is Peda’s invention add mystery and ghost-like ambiance to this lush setting and bittersweet family. Many secrets will become exposed and unraveled depicting how the past so forcefully colors the present.
One day two bedraggled old men and a young, sexy-looking man, Ham, arrive at the house, claiming they’ve been sent by well-known art dealers. They are here to evaluate the painting Winter loves, created by her grandfather, Simon Candor. Winter, a woman who fluctuates between biting direct remarks and being a surrealistic presence, wants to know how these strange men learned about the painting. Ham claims he is a relative of Simon Candor and that the painting really belongs to him. The family is protective in the face of unending questions and comments; the art evaluators seem greedy and ready to do something for their own benefit. Is the painting real or a copy? Are the evaluators really experts or frauds?
To say more would be to spoil a delicious tale of revelation and conflict that flows like the tide of the waters surrounding this island home. Over quite a period of time, we will learn not only who created the painting and what lies behind its frame, but the mystery of a family member who disappeared years ago, the truth about a murder that was never documented, and the truth about present and past relationships that is shocking to all. Truth and honesty will eventually come out but not until the end of a circuitous journey that exposes loyalty, greed, unfaithfulness, selfishness and terror in every single character abiding in these pages.
Peregrine Island… is a carefully plotted and uniquely characterized story that is sure to delight readers of skilled authors. Highly recommended historical/contemporary fiction!!!
One day two bedraggled old men and a young, sexy-looking man, Ham, arrive at the house, claiming they’ve been sent by well-known art dealers. They are here to evaluate the painting Winter loves, created by her grandfather, Simon Candor. Winter, a woman who fluctuates between biting direct remarks and being a surrealistic presence, wants to know how these strange men learned about the painting. Ham claims he is a relative of Simon Candor and that the painting really belongs to him. The family is protective in the face of unending questions and comments; the art evaluators seem greedy and ready to do something for their own benefit. Is the painting real or a copy? Are the evaluators really experts or frauds?
To say more would be to spoil a delicious tale of revelation and conflict that flows like the tide of the waters surrounding this island home. Over quite a period of time, we will learn not only who created the painting and what lies behind its frame, but the mystery of a family member who disappeared years ago, the truth about a murder that was never documented, and the truth about present and past relationships that is shocking to all. Truth and honesty will eventually come out but not until the end of a circuitous journey that exposes loyalty, greed, unfaithfulness, selfishness and terror in every single character abiding in these pages.
Peregrine Island… is a carefully plotted and uniquely characterized story that is sure to delight readers of skilled authors. Highly recommended historical/contemporary fiction!!!
October 5, 2017
Peregrine Island by Diane B. Saxton is the first book that I have read that upon completing it, I am still unsure as to if I liked it or not..... Peregrine Island gives the reader a LOT to think about. Even after finishing it, it will stay on your mind for some time. I guess a good one word discription of it would be "intense".
In Peregrine Island there are a total of 12 characters within the entire story and the way that Saxton strings them all together will completely amaze you. It is like watching a magician do a magic trick.
I love how Saxton devotes one chapter to a character and their point of view of the story. I think that helps the reader better understand how each character is thinking. And believe me there is a lot of thinking going on.
Although the story and chapters are viewed through the minds of Winter, her daughter Elsie and granddaughter Peda, you will get to know the men in their lives as well.
Saxton centers the entire story around a painting, a painting that has been in Winter's life for as long as she can remember. She stares at the people in the picture for hours every day. She likes to think that she knows the people and how they feel and think. It takes her away from her own life that at times is hard for her to understand and deal with. And the story behind the painter is just as mysterious as the characters in the painting.
For a story that has few characters and is set around one object, a story that has more twists and turns than a rollercoaster, a story that is read through the viewpoint of three people, focuses on the present as well as the past, I can say for sure that you will find it very entertaining as well as riveting. I look forward to what Saxton has in store for us with her next novel.
January 17, 2018
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (01/18)
Peregrine Island is a private island that has been in the Peregrine family for many generations. In this novel by Diane B. Saxton, the focus is on three of the women in the family: the matriarch Winter, the difficult daughter Elsie, and an imaginative, inquisitive granddaughter named Peda.
Needing a place to live, Elsie moved home to Peregrine Island. She and her mother Winter do not have a strong, loving relationship; Peda is the tie that binds them. When Peda finds a special friend in an elderly, homeless man named Jake and his dog Scarecrow, the women are not too concerned about her interactions with him. They also aren’t concerned about a voice that seems to scream for help every night. Winter’s main focus is on a painting that was passed down from her father. The artist was a friend of the family who is believed to have been murdered. The past rapidly enters into the present when an unusual group of characters show up expressing interest in this painting. Each person has his own selfish reasons for wanting to have a piece of this artwork. The mystery continues when more paintings and writings by the artist are discovered hidden on the back of the canvas. The mystery deepens when the police become involved. The past is going to haunt the future until the secrets of the painting are revealed.
“Peregrine Island” is composed of a cast of eccentric, flawed characters. While none of them are very likeable, they are certainly entertaining! The author does a beautiful job of weaving a storyline around a mysterious piece of art. As I read, I was reminded of the whodunits from the old days, where people would gather in the parlor to go over clues knowing that the guilty party was among them. The grand finale also holds to that style, and was not a disappointment.
I highly recommend “Peregrine Island” by Diane B. Saxton for fans of murder mysteries. It would also make a great selection for a reader’s group. The author’s vivid descriptions and cast of eccentric characters are meant to be discussed and shared among others.
Peregrine Island is a private island that has been in the Peregrine family for many generations. In this novel by Diane B. Saxton, the focus is on three of the women in the family: the matriarch Winter, the difficult daughter Elsie, and an imaginative, inquisitive granddaughter named Peda.
Needing a place to live, Elsie moved home to Peregrine Island. She and her mother Winter do not have a strong, loving relationship; Peda is the tie that binds them. When Peda finds a special friend in an elderly, homeless man named Jake and his dog Scarecrow, the women are not too concerned about her interactions with him. They also aren’t concerned about a voice that seems to scream for help every night. Winter’s main focus is on a painting that was passed down from her father. The artist was a friend of the family who is believed to have been murdered. The past rapidly enters into the present when an unusual group of characters show up expressing interest in this painting. Each person has his own selfish reasons for wanting to have a piece of this artwork. The mystery continues when more paintings and writings by the artist are discovered hidden on the back of the canvas. The mystery deepens when the police become involved. The past is going to haunt the future until the secrets of the painting are revealed.
“Peregrine Island” is composed of a cast of eccentric, flawed characters. While none of them are very likeable, they are certainly entertaining! The author does a beautiful job of weaving a storyline around a mysterious piece of art. As I read, I was reminded of the whodunits from the old days, where people would gather in the parlor to go over clues knowing that the guilty party was among them. The grand finale also holds to that style, and was not a disappointment.
I highly recommend “Peregrine Island” by Diane B. Saxton for fans of murder mysteries. It would also make a great selection for a reader’s group. The author’s vivid descriptions and cast of eccentric characters are meant to be discussed and shared among others.
February 12, 2018
Richard and Joan Mears - My wife and I have discussed the first novel of Diane Saxton and have come to the opinion that the depth of characterization, the description of environment and her subtle play with words leads to a good suspense novel. Ironically the story reminded us both of the style of the popular writer Robert Penn Warren and specifically his book A Place To Come To. Ms. Saxton has captured the casualty of a rich family in their envious, greedy, conniving atmosphere built around a piece of art which they suspect has great value. They believe the artist, a relative, has died without a will. Estate hunger takes center stage and renown art experts are called in to evaluate the prize. The novel is built up in a crescendo of surprise and unique novelty. We look forward to her next novel.
December 22, 2017
This was a weirdly written novel. I cannot say I liked it-although it fascinated me at parts. But the transparency of what would be the reckoning simply made this a relatively poor result. I enjoyed the multiple voices of the 3 main characters, but did any of them truly ever become rounded? I loved the descriptions of the setting and there were funny bits. Just seemed to be a miss.
June 1, 2017
This mystery novel is beautifully written and a riveting read.
June 7, 2017
An interesting mystery
June 21, 2017
Absolutely loved this debut novel! Check out our review here: https://booktrib.com/2016/12/itty-bit...
March 8, 2018
It kept my interest.
March 11, 2018
If you are looking for a book that you can read slowly, a story in which you can savor the characters and the prose, then you must pick up this novel. Read my full review at Girl Who Reads
March 6, 2019
Difficult Read
I finished this book, but did not know who was talking most of the time. I had to keep going back to find out which character was speaking.
I finished this book, but did not know who was talking most of the time. I had to keep going back to find out which character was speaking.
September 20, 2016
Diane B. Saxton's debut novel, Peregrine Island, tells the story about a dysfunctional family, a mysterious painting, and the intriguing island where it all takes place. As I was reading this book I couldn't help but fantasize what it would be like to live on my own personal island. For some people it might be too isolated, but for me and my introverted self, I think I might like it. For a little bit at least. Because as much good as some solitude would do me, I think there might be a danger in cutting oneself off from the rest of the world. And even though the characters in this novel aren't really cut off from the rest of the world, they're all using the island as an escape, a hiding place.
The story revolves around a painting. A painting that has hung above Winter Peregrine's fireplace for many years. Winter lives in her family's ancestral home with her daughter, Elsie, and Elsie's daughter, Peda on Peregrine Island. Winter gets a call one day, supposedly from the people at Getty, who want to examine the painting. But when three men show up, Elsie can tell from the get-go that they might not be exactly who they say they are and questions their motives. When the gentlemen closely examine the painting they find out more than they bargained for, and that's when the mystery really begins.
The plot of this story is really fascinating. The mystery behind the painting and the circumstances surround it was intriguing. The characters in this novel, however, I didn't care for so much. Winter holds on to the ideals of yesteryear. There's a giant wedge between Winter and Elsie. There are moments of almost tenderness between the two, but they're fleeting. Even though Peda is a small child, Elsie seems to care little for her. In fact, there are some disturbing scenes between these two. Even though Winter is standoffish, she seems to have an okay relationship with her granddaughter. These characters are all so different from each other, it's hard to imagine they come from the same family. But families are like that, I suppose.
If I was going on just the plot alone, I would rate this book four stars. But the characters in this novel left me wanting. I tried to empathize with the characters. I wanted to understand their motives, their choices, but I just couldn't. In the end, I felt nothing for them. And for me, it's important to find a connection to the characters in order to really enjoy the book.
Read more at http://www.toreadornottoread.net/2016...
The story revolves around a painting. A painting that has hung above Winter Peregrine's fireplace for many years. Winter lives in her family's ancestral home with her daughter, Elsie, and Elsie's daughter, Peda on Peregrine Island. Winter gets a call one day, supposedly from the people at Getty, who want to examine the painting. But when three men show up, Elsie can tell from the get-go that they might not be exactly who they say they are and questions their motives. When the gentlemen closely examine the painting they find out more than they bargained for, and that's when the mystery really begins.
The plot of this story is really fascinating. The mystery behind the painting and the circumstances surround it was intriguing. The characters in this novel, however, I didn't care for so much. Winter holds on to the ideals of yesteryear. There's a giant wedge between Winter and Elsie. There are moments of almost tenderness between the two, but they're fleeting. Even though Peda is a small child, Elsie seems to care little for her. In fact, there are some disturbing scenes between these two. Even though Winter is standoffish, she seems to have an okay relationship with her granddaughter. These characters are all so different from each other, it's hard to imagine they come from the same family. But families are like that, I suppose.
If I was going on just the plot alone, I would rate this book four stars. But the characters in this novel left me wanting. I tried to empathize with the characters. I wanted to understand their motives, their choices, but I just couldn't. In the end, I felt nothing for them. And for me, it's important to find a connection to the characters in order to really enjoy the book.
Read more at http://www.toreadornottoread.net/2016...
December 5, 2016
Slightly overwritten and descriptive for my taste but an intriguing story line, lovely setting and distinct characters made this a mysterious, quick read. A great debut novel.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews