TROUBLE IN TRANSYLVANIA

Freelance translator Cassandra Reilly (Gaudi Afternoon, 1990)- -with two weeks to kill before boarding the Trans-Mongolian Express in Budapest and heading for China—becomes embroiled in Magyar- Rumanian feuding, post-Ceauescu tattletaling, and murder, all revolving around the decrepit Arcata Spa Hotel in scenic Transylvania. When an eccentric American grandmother is accused of killing the spa's randy, nonagenarian founder in one of the galvanic baths, Cassandra's suspect roster includes: a bossy waitress, the doctor-in-charge, a teary assistant, and Frau Sophie, a spa regular with plans to revitalize the area. Also on hand: the Snapp family, eager to make contact with their adopted daughter's birthmother; a helpful tour guide, Nadia, who spends most of the book making car repairs; and several engaging lesbians (Cassandra and her traveling chum Jacqueline included). Ceauescu's atrocities notwithstanding: a very funny second outing—with an uproarious mud-bath sequence and amusing gender- bending pronoun slip-ups. Plus: travel-writing so compelling that you'll be reaching for your passport. Wilson is smart, tart, and knows how to write from a feminist perspective without once stooping to polemics.