Full of dark twists fit for Hollywood
THE COMEBACK
by Ella Berman (Aria £9.99, 400pp)
THIS could have so easily been another routine MeToo novel about the abuse of a young Hollywood star. But Ella Berman’s whip-smart dialogue and pacey storytelling make it into a very special read.
Grace Turner is a rather unpleasant self-obsessed star who is returning to Hollywood for a career comeback and, more importantly, revenge.
She had fled the Hollywood system after years of being controlled by Abe Yorke, the director/svengali who had orchestrated her career as a teen star.
When she is asked to present a lifetime achievement award to Yorke, her dilemma is crystallised.
But there are layers of complexity and darkness to Turner’s backstory that prevent simple solutions — not least that Yorke knows a dangerous secret about her.
It’s not surprising that Reese Witherspoon has endorsed this book; the twists and turns and dramatic outcome make it perfect for the big screen.
FIVE BAD DEEDS
by Caz Frear (simon & schuster £14.99, 416pp)
ELLEN WALSH is busy renovating what will be the nicest house in her street when an anonymous letter arrives threatening to expose a secret that will destroy her seemingly perfect life.
She must discover who her tormentor is and stop them before it’s too late. The list of suspects includes her sister, her childminder, her best friend and even her perfect-sounding husband.
We know from the start that somebody ends up in prison, but not who or why.
The storyline is delightfully simple and most characters are well-conceived and convincing. Walsh herself is particularly intriguing and a good example of a woman who has it all — until she suddenly doesn’t.
Frear has a good ear for darkly comic touches, which combined with her pacey plot for an engrossing read.
THE STRANGER AT THE WEDDING
by A.E.Gauntlett (Raven Books, £16.99 288pp)
THE story starts at the wedding of Annie and Mark who share a very troubled past. Annie has her reasons for being sceptical about love but has overcome those qualms to be with Mark. Mark has lost his wife although he doesn’t like to talk about it with Annie.
And Annie hasn’t been candid about her background. But after meeting on a train and a whirlwind romance their wedding has arrived, as does a guest whom Annie doesn’t recognise.
The stranger and events that follow spark Annie’s suspicions and she begins to wonder exactly who her new husband is.
Annie and Mark’s past is skilfully revealed and concealed during the course of an original plot which leads to an unpredictable denouement... and a good read.