Rating: 
Summary: barely got through it
Review: I read the description for this book before buying it online as well as the reviews and I was looking forward to getting a peak inside the New York social set. I was greatly disappointed by how slow the story moved. You start getting to the good part at around page 240. When the story begins to get good is when Ms.Hitchcock seems to rush the story and not detail that part as much as she bored you with detail about the Marie Antionette furniture and jewel. It took me weeks to read this book versus a day it usually takes me to read a book if it's good. I couldn't advise this book to anybody.
Rating: 
Summary: Nice, easy read
Review: I enjoyed this book immensely--in fact I read it in one sitting way into the wee hours of the morning because I couldn't put it down. An intriguing mystery set in creme-de-la-creme New York--irresistable. That said, this is not capital L Literature, but it is a great deal of fun.
Rating: 
Summary: Phenomenal
Review: This story pulled me in from the very first word. If you enjoy reading about how the other half lives, in all their horrifyingly shallow glory, you will love this book. Jo is a great character - flaws and all. I was rooting for her all the way. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Down and dirty
Review: As a woman living in New York, this novel both intrigued me and clutched me from the very beginning. I felt like a voyer peeking into a world that is all too real - from what I have personally seen - for a New York socialite. You can't take it seriously however, you must just enjoy the "drama" for what it is. Lesson taught: Don't take anything for granted, trust yourself and be true to who you are. Enjoy this read, it's easy, fun, dirty and daring. You will want more! It's human nature!!
Rating:
Summary: Intrigued from beginning to end !
Review: I just finished reading this book and loved it. Jane Hitchcock has you hooked right from the first sentence..."MURDER was never my goal in life," and then she's got you wanting to commit the murder with her. Well written, witty, and entertaining. I could not put this book down, and I am looking forward to her next suspense.
Rating: 
Summary: This book provides quite a laugh for us "poor folks"
Review: Okay, I know that the extremely wealthy are not like the rest of us. This book was very humorous and has the makings for a Hollywood movie, complete with the perfect "Hollywood" ending. It was a good read, LOTS of characters though. Throughout the book, I really never did feel bad at all for the main character, Jo Slater. She lived in such a shallow, protected world, that when she had to face the real world, she still clung to her own ways. I mean, she's flat broke, but owns a necklace that belonged to Marie Antoniette. Okay, now I probably would have sold it ASAP and just moved to a new city and lived off the $250 million from the necklace. Oh no, not Jo Slater. She's got revenge on her mind. Can you just imagine being reduced to Hush Puppy shoes, having to work in a department store, and no place to wear your coture gowns? The horror!
It's an easy read but very far from a world I know. It is fun to see how the other half lives though.
Rating:
Summary: Almost halfway through...
Review: ...and I absolutely intend to finish it! I cannot put it down either, even after being with 2 kids all day long. The story is intriguing and keeps the reader's interest; the pace is quick. BTW the previous reviewer provided WAY too much detail on the plot. I didn't care for the spoilers, thank you very much.
Rating:
Summary: Social Crimes
Review: A lukewarm tale of suspense about an obsessed Manhattan woman who grows as evil as her nemesis. Celebrating her birthday in Southampton, Jo Slater, at "a certain age," appears to have it all. Once a steakhouse waiter, she now stands next to her husband, Lucius, worth $200 million. She thrives in Manhattan's art scene and counts many friends. But, alas, image misleads. At the party, Jo meets a fawning Countess Monique de Passy. Lucius turns testy, and Jo soon learns what everyone, including the reader, already knows: Lucius and the Countess are having an affair. Interrupting their cabana tryst, Jo so startles Lucius that he suffers a fatal heart attack. She subsequently learns her husband had changed his will, leaving everything to Monique. Poor Jo loses the Southampton estate and the Fifth Avenue condo. Worse yet, Monique cleverly foils Jo's every attempt to start a new life. Ambling home one night after a bleak day spent selling carpet, Jo drops in at the posh King Cole Room to splurge on a drink or two. A woman who just happens to look like Monique also drops in, and Jo's four-year-long obsession to strike back at Monique crystallizes into a plan: Jo will hire the woman in the bar, an escort named Oliva, to pose as Monique. The faux Monique will consult a lawyer about filing a will, which will return Lucius' estate to Jo. Of course, for Jo to collect, Monique must be dispatched. Jo hatches a jerrybuilt scheme that culminates in Monique's death-the Countess dives over a balcony grasping at a million-dollar necklace Jo dangles before her. Jo returns triumphant to the social whirl, while in some dark place Oliva waits to claim her due. A Hampton breeze that rarely chills. Hitchcock (Trick of the Hammer, 1994, etc.) misses the psychological insight that can make readers squirm with empathy.
Rating:
Summary: I just kept reading and reading...
Review: This book RULED MY WORLD while I was reading it. I loved, loved, loved it! Revenge, money, mystery, and social climbing... never a sweeter combo... READ THIS BOOK (and pick up a copy of Emily Post's etiquette book to follow it up)!
Rating:
Summary: What a refreshingly unusual novel!
Review: In my opinion this book was amazing. I was gripped from the very first sentence "murder was never my goal in life" and could not let go. I totally identified with the heroine, as her social, financial and mental deterioration is described gradually and logically, and so her plan seems fitting and the ending completely natural. Jo is a very engaging character: she has dignity, confidence, willpower and impeccable taste - you cannot help liking her. The fact that she realises that the New York social scene and all it represents are superficial, but admits this is all she knows and therefore where she is at home at, makes her completely honest and sincere - to the point where you feel honoured that she lets you, the reader, into her confidence.
Sure, you do feel the whole preoccupation with money and class is hideous at times - some parts of the story do ring impossible; the characters might not be the types of people you socialise with or would like to know. That is exactly why this book is brilliant - it transports you to this world where things you find trivial are vital, but succeeds to make you sympathise with it. And it does so with a style of writing fitting to the lovely paintings and antiques it describes. This is a pageturner.
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