"The Correspondent" is an unusual mystery story. Sybil has a secret about her past; the secret rears its head in the present. In the present, family relationships are strained and Sybil herself sometimes behaves in odd ways. Sybil's daughter--Fiona--is determined to solve the mystery. Fiona enlists the help of a family friend, Rosalie. But Sybil sees this bond as a kind of betrayal. Ruptures occur; Rosalie keeps pushing. In a heroic display of self-control, Sybil decides to make a change. She hears her friend; she recognizes good intentions. She offers a confession. All is (sort of) well. As the family story unspools itself, little subplots pop up. These are like the victim stories on "The Pitt." A Syrian desk worker tries to climb the professional ladder in the United States. A beleaguered Dean of English considers allowing non-students to audit courses at the University of Maryland. Joan Didion--yes, Joan Didion!--seeks editorial feedback for her draft of ...