The Rain Barrel Baby AUTHOR: Alison Preston ISBN: 0921833-73-3 192 PAGES $16.95 CDN $14.95 US ABOUT THE BOOK: Inspector Frank Foote's quiet Winnipeg neighbourhood is greening into summer when a dead baby is discovered in his neighbour's rain barrel. The tiny body has evidently been in the rain barrel for some time, and there are no obvious leads in the case. Frank is a cop, and he's seen a lot of crime scenes, but this one is a little too close to home. Meanwhile, Gus Olsen, who made the gruesome discovery, is a little worried about a mysterious woman who is cruising their quiet neighbourhood in her Lincoln Town Car. He's been meaning to talk to Frank about her, but somehow there never seems to be an opportune moment. Gus doesn't want to bother Frank, who already has his hands full trying to take care of his household and his three children while their mother dries out in an addiction treatment centre. Frank is a good father, he tries to be a good husband, and he hopes he is a good cop. But, like all of us, Frank has a few old secrets that he is ashamed of. And when Ivy Grace suddenly resurfaces after a long absence, one thing is certain: before this summer ends, Frank will have to confront his past.   REVIEWS: "Alison's Preston's new novel is a compelling exploration of the power of secrets in our lives. Her finely drawn characters reveal a writer who is as compassionate as she is sharp-sighted. Down-to-earth, insightful and beautifully written, The Rain Barrel Baby is a worthy addition to any mystery library."—Gail Bowen   Other Signature titles by Alison Preston: Cherry Bites The Geranium Girls