From Publishers Weekly
The headline-grabbing case of a closet transvestite who kills his wife and retains custody of his daughter--circumstances resembling the real-life Pikul murder (see review of Deadly Masquerade , Nonfiction Forecasts, this issue)--is the basis for Yglesias's smartly paced sixth novel (after Hot Properties ). Molly Gray, a New York City lawyer, reveals how she bolted from her impoverished past (with great guilt), became best friends with talented artist and musician Wendy Sonnenfeld (with wonder and delight) and wed "shrink to the stars" Stefan Weinstein (with ebbing passion). When unsightly Ben Fliess marries Wendy, Molly finds him odious and his behavior peculiar. But when Naomi is born to the couple, childless Molly becomes the doting "aunt" and excuses all--until Wendy starts anguishing over Ben's frequent moodswings and tantrums. Is he having an affair? Molly learns the truth and unwisely shares it with Wendy, who doesn't survive the weekend. Who is to raise Naomi? The quirky legal system permits even a criminal parent to retain custody. How Molly ingratiates herself with the man in "pancake and blush and lipstick" whom she is sure pummeled her best friend to death is both ingenious and mad. How far will a sane person go to save someone she loves, and how far can she go without losing her senses? Yglesias's adroit plot climaxes in a totally unanticipated third-act heartstopper.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Milly, born poor but raised by a wealthy woman, marries well and is a successful attorney. Wendy, her rich but plain best friend, marries Ben in a late bid for domestic happiness. Their daughter, Naomi, becomes the light of both Molly and Wendy's life, and strengthens their deep bond. When Ben murders Wendy, Molly is desperate to take Naomi from him. Driven past reasoning into the byways of sexual deviation, deceit, and violence, she sacrifices marriage, career, reputation, and almost her life trying first one ploy and then another to remain close to Naomi--including accepting Ben in a new way. Inspired by an actual murder in New York City (the Pikul case), where the novel is set, this is a compelling account of a strong woman crumbling under forces she cannot control. It will appeal to Turow and Wolfe readers. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 5/15/90.
- Ann Donovan, Central Washington Univ., EllensburgCopyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
