People Will Talk

Bestseller Scott’s frothy latest (after Regrets Only) drops readers into the rarified world of 34-year-old playboy Peter Frank. Each year, Peter’s mother throws a clambake for the upper crust of New Jersey’s Cape May. This year’s event includes a bombshell—Peter’s impromptu wedding to family friend Tilly Danforth. The news comes as a particular shock to three women on the guest list: tennis star Maya Romero, Peter’s girlfriend; wedding planner Catherine Farr, his high school ex; and Leanne Gladstone, the aunt of his son from a previous relationship. When Tilly is found crushed to death beneath a chandelier, Catherine, who fancies herself an amateur sleuth, starts poking around. Before long, she learns that Peter’s potential investment in her business has placed her at the top of the suspect list, with Maya’s jealousy and Leanne’s entanglement in a custody battle with Peter putting them close behind. To avoid scandal and clear their names, the three women band together to solve Tilly’s murder. Scott keeps things fleet-footed and effervescent, allowing the investigation to float by on a cloud of petty betrayals and vicarious consumption. The result is ideal poolside reading. Agent: Holly Root, Root Literary. (July)