NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “Murder most swank . . . required reading.”—Vanity FairWhen Navy ensign Billy Grenville, heir to a vast New York fortune, sees showgirl Ann Arden on the dance floor, it is love at first sight. And much to the horror of Alice Grenville—the indomitable family matriarch—he marries her. Ann wants desperately to be accepted by high society and become the well-bred woman of … and become the well-bred woman of her fantasies. But a gunshot one rainy night propels Ann into a notorious spotlight—as the two Mrs. Grenvilles enter into a conspiracy of silence that will bind them together for as long as they live. . . .
“This is a candy box of a book. . . . Composed of just the right measure of sex, glamour, [and] passion.”—Cosmopolitan
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Let me state right up front, this is not a well written book. However, if you can get past that, it’s a fascinating Capote-esque voyeuristic view and roman a clef of the Jet Set and an actual society murder that took place in 1955.
Rather old and old -fashioned
The book summary made the book sound very interesting. And the book may have been good but I had to stop reading after the first few chapters due to the sexual content.
Loved the story of the Grenville family, do tragic and I remember watching the movie years ago with AnnMargaret.
This was Dominick Dunne’s successful foray into being a novel writer. In this book he carefully depicts the details of privileged life in blue blood upper east side Manhattan. He describes the way that this group tried (setting is 1930) and tries to shield themselves from the lesser citizens of the world.
Their clothes, jewelry, private clubs, …
Interesting. It makes me want to research the “real” Mrs Grenville murder. A convincing demonstration that money won’t buy happiness.
This book unravels the tragedy caused by an self centered woman who puts her own needs and ambitions above all others’. The “other” Mrs. Grenville is driven by as much self preservation and pride as is her daughter-in-law. A sad portrait of a family who seemingly had it all.
Sad. Just tragic and sad.
Excellent
A good read. Parts were surprising on the one hand, yet made perfect sense on the other hand. Deceit seldom works in one’s favor over the long haul.
Interesting. Easy summer read.
A little thinly drawn characters but a good story.
An oldie but a goodie. Dominick Dunne at his best insider, gossipy self. Based on the true story of the 1955 Woodward case, it’s an easy, summer read. Tragic, yes. But entertaining? Absolutely yes.
It was a decent read and entertaining but not memorable.
Dominic Dunne was an original character, all on his own. His ability to tell a story as though he were whispering in your ear made his books all the more like delicious gossip.
I have never quite read a book like this before. It is a great look at the rich
but it is no surprise about what they can get away with. Things do not seem
to change much over the years. I am not sure I liked all of the characters
but the author did a good job of defining them.
I enjoyed this book. Great character development. Good story about people who don’t always do things for the right reason.
It as a good read….about the very wealthy and how they handle a “situation” with a son of their own and a ambitious showgirl….the bottom line is no bad publicity will ever enter the tabloids about their wealthy class …..and the lengths they will go to to ensure it never happens….
I couldn’t put this book down! By the time I finished the book, I had empathy for every character!
Murder, money and family dysfunction? Get ready for this ride.