Denise C. (dscrawford) reviewed on 6/4/2014 + 175 more book reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars -- One man, three "wives", and a mystery -- who killed their husband?

This was a deliciously unputdownable novel that kept me turning the pages well into the night! The story unfolds with different points of view and moving back and forth in time. How did these women end up in this situation -- Diana, Jewels, and Bert...and why does each of them think that Oliver Lane loves her "more than life itself?" Once the women find out about each other, they meet and formulate a plan. But, little ears hear every word as Diana's daughter, Picasso, follows them, listens to their scheme, and tries to separate truth from all the lies. Meanwhile, a very persistent pair of detectives is determined to find out just what happened on that sunny morning in the beach house.

The setting, the atmosphere, the characters, and the unfolding details are brilliantly laid before the reader in tantalizing chapters that reveal the thoughts and motivations behind the decisions and actions of each player in this drama. The writing style really gave the tale depth as the author uses Picasso's love of words and their meanings to enhance her perspective and develop her unique point of view of the situation. The conclusion is quite a revelation and I believe that book clubs and everyone who reads this book will form a special relationship with Picasso and close the book with a sigh of satisfaction.

I recommend it to those who like family drama with a unique twist and those who like a slowly unfolding mystery that's solved in a manner that begs discussion. The cover gives it a sort of noir touch and sets a mood.

Thank you to NetGalley and Doubleday Books for the e-book ARC to review.

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