SUMMARY
The Gravity of Shadows
In an electrifying return, David Ramus casts his unflinching eye on the exclusive old-money world of Palm Beach to create a haunting tale of unfathomable wealth, merciless greed, and page-turning suspense. Set behind the gates of a sprawling ocean-front mansion, The Gravity of Shadows weaves a layered account of a priceless Palm Beach art collection, an eager New York art dealer, and a smoldering political secret whose powerful keeper will protect it at any cost.
Wil Sumner, a self-made New York City art dealer, was entranced by the lure of fine art from an early age. Raised in the shadow of Palm Beach’s spectacular wealth, he was determined to succeed in a world that had always existed just beyond his reach. Now, after making it in New York, Wil finds his business about to come crashing down in a heap of bank debt and broken dreams. An unexpected proposition – to return to Palm Beach to appraise the private collection of Andrew Stevenson, a wealthy recluse – may be his only chance to get back into the game.
Once in Florida, surrounded by sandy beaches and lush palm trees, Wil senses something disturbingly wrong with the world that had always appeared perfect from the outside. Is it the ominous package left at the Stevenson’s palatial estate? Is it the fact that Stevenson is in the grip of terminal cancer? Or is everyone on edge because of the menacing stranger spotted surveying the house? According to Stevenson’s daughter, M.K., something darker plagues her ailing father, but Wil forces himself to stay focused on appraising the priceless art collection he has come to see.
In a sudden twist that throws the Stevenson house into turmoil, a vicious murder is committed, and Wil becomes entangled in the fears – and possible delusions – of a dying man. Following an increasingly menacing trail that leads to a seldom seen Palm Beach underworld, he discovers truths that threaten to destroy the Stevenson family, the Florida political machine, and the lives of two powerful warring men. In The Gravity of Shadows, master storyteller David Ramus conjures up a thunderous story of suspense that builds to an emotional, riveting climax.