POPULAR WENDY HOLDEN

CAPE MAY by Chip Cheek (W&N £14.99)

EFFiE and henry are on honeymoon in Cape May. But, out of season, the resort offers only closed houses and deserted beaches. Dispirited, they’re set to leave when Effie’s old acquaintance, Clara, turns up with a gaggle of glamorous pals.

They’re rich, posh and amoral, and their decadent influence encourages the previously squeakyclean young couple to experiment sexually. not just with each other but, gradually, with their new friends, too.

Adultery and swinging ensue — can the youthful marriage survive the onslaught?

it’s been compared to The Great Gatsby and, while there’s a Gatsby air to the period and location, the graphic sex isn’t very F. scott. Few of the characters have many redeeming features, either. But i enjoyed it nonetheless, and the writing is terrific.

THE BUTTERFLY ROOM by Lucinda Riley

(Macmillan £16.99) i loVE lucinda Riley’s absorbing family sagas set in glamorous locations. her characters can be samey, but the books are pageturners even so. Riley is especially good at maintaining suspense: in this novel, we’re left wondering to the end what exactly happened in the eponymous insects’ residence.

Mystery also surrounds what sexy antique dealer nick can’t tell former supermodel Tammy, or what Posy’s exlover Freddie knows so they can’t pick up where they left off. And will Amy, the hotel receptionist, leave her violent, loser husband for a rich and famous writer? (You can probably guess . . .)

The action roams from posh seaside southwold via Cambridge to Kew, and the good (practically everyone) end happily. A perfect beach read — long enough for a fortnight.

A NICE CUP OF TEA by Celia Imrie

(Bloomsbury £12.99) in This latest in the Rivieraset series about restaurateur Theresa and her gang of expat chums, we find the eaterie in dire straits. if its imminent closure isn’t enough, Theresa’s granddaughter has disappeared, and she’s being sent weird presents through the post.

Meanwhile, her friend, former TV star sally, meets her old acting colleagues, Eggy and Phoo, on the beach. They always belittled and bullied her, so why are they being friendly now?

i can’t say that all the action makes a great deal of sense, but it’s a fun read and there’s a deranged energy that sweeps you along.

imrie’s inside knowledge of the acting business adds interest, as do the plentiful dollops of delicious food.