Death Wishes

The tiny village of Montferrat, near St. Tropez, is abuzz with speculation. Who will inherit the magnificent villa and fabulous art collection of the late, eccentric, pleasure-loving Edward Walden? Will it be Catherine (just arrived from New York), the daughter of Walden's long-fractured but legally-valid marriage to Laura? Probably. But also in the running are: number-one mistress Natalia Beaumont and Jean-Michel, her son by Walden; number-two mistress, housekeeper Marianne Lavallier, and her son by Walden; faithful butler Abbott; and homosexual Nicolas Tate, Walden's partner of five years' standing. At first, only English lawyer David Rudd knows how Walden has left the goodies. Then, however, the will is read - producing some very disappointed people. And they lose no time in asking embarrassing questions, digging up family secrets. . . and bringing on some Christie-like twists. Domestic suspense from a versatile veteran (A Mafia Kiss, etc.), crisply absorbing and satisfyingly resolved. (Kirkus Reviews)