Misfortune: A Novel

I enjoyed Misfortune and thought it was so wonderfully written with a host of exciting characters. Cleo Pratt was an obnoxious woman who was not liked by many in South Hampton, Long Island. She did not hide her racial prejudice or the pride she seemed to exhibit to those not as wealthy as she was. She was selfish and thought only about her comforts and her husband's. It is no wonder when she is found dead in the powder room at the Fair Lawn Country Club, it becomes an extremely difficult task trying to seek out her murderer, for Cleo Pratt has made so many enemies for herself. You will meet Beverly Winters whom she gossiped about after her husband's suicide; Henry Lewis a surgeon whom she was instrumental in blocking from becoming a member of the Country Club because of his race ; her stepdaughters Blair and Frances whom she treated like second class citizens when they were in her habitation; a partner in their firm Pratt Capital who she wants to squeeze out, and many many more of the high society you will encounter. Be prepared to have at least a day to two for this page turner. When all is revealed you will see how well written and how cleverly concealed is the murderer ... Happy reading! I loved it! Reviewed by Heather Marshall Negahdar (SUGAR-CANE 30/05/02)

Misfortune is one of the best mysteries I've ever read. Set in the bizarre world of Long Island High Society (can it get any more bizarre?) Frances must find a deadly killer among a cast of characters rich in dollars and drama. They come from Wall Street, Board Rooms, Hospitals and Country Clubs. They each hate the same person. Each suspect has a motive and a deep secret that must not be revealed. They will stop at nothing to protect themselves and shatter their adversaries as their very lives hang in the balance. This is detective work at it's best from a great new writer.

Misfortune is a riveting family drama. This murder-mystery is psychologically suspenseful and will keep you turning the pages to discover what's next. Frances Pratt is a touching and appealing heroine. Recommended summer reading!

If you are looking for some good summer reading, this terrific book by this young new author is simply perfect ! It is fast reading but very thoughtful ... and the "plot thickens" with each new character who is introduced ! The characters are each unique and all bring something new to the "proverbial table", which makes the mystery increasingly intriguing. And the descriptions of life and individuals in the Hamptons are frighteningly accurate ! I assure you of one thing: you will NOT want to put this book down !Enjoy !

Beautifully written, I found this novel to be riveting and compelling as suspense, and at the same time an astonishingly brilliant view of pride and prejudice, the wealthiest among us, and the landscape of the human condition. This novel is a great and powerful entertainment in the tradition of Turow, and rich and sweeping in the tradition of Wharton. There are several trivial books set in Southampton;but Misfortune is not one of them, rather a novel written by an author who knows and understands her world by backgound and writing skill--and reveals it with uncanny brilliance. A delight to read this debut novel!