The Summer House by Christobel Kent
Italy in Books - Reading Challenge 2011
The September post with a list of books that the other people taking part are reading this month has already been posted. September Reviews.
Another thriller with a realistic Italian background for this months choice, a different author though, but one I have read for this challenge before back in February. A Party in San Niccolo
The story centres around Rose Fell a divorcee who left a secure job in journalism and family in London to move to a beautiful but isolated village in Italy near Genoa. After a year there she is still finding it a struggle to integrate, however when she is asked by a colleague from the UK if she can write an article about another local her life changes. At about the same time a young girl is found dead on a local beach and another young local woman disappears. Rose finds herself embroiled in this local mystery. Ania, the young woman that is missing was until the time of her disappearance working for the once famous model and film star Elvira Vitale that Rose is due to interview. Elvira and her younger British husband whom she no longer seems able to trust spend every summer in Italy and winters in the UK, hence the British press interest in the couple. The danger that is lurking closer than either of them realise throws these women together.
To repeat what I said about the last novel I read by this author, there is enough suspense skilfully built into the story that kept me turning the pages to make this a very quick and entertaining read.
Christobel Kent was born in London in 1962 and now lives in Cambridge with her husband and four children; in between she lived in Florence. She worked in publishing for several years, most recently as Publicity Director at Andre Deutsch. Her debut novel A Party in San Niccolo, was published in 2003. The about the author section in the book I have just read states they have five children. I have not been able to confirm which information is correct.
This list of titles by her may well be of interest to those of you taking part in the Italy in Books - Reading Challenge 2011
Biographical and other information including photos and videos are courtesy of the following websites and from the paperback itself.
I also post these ‘Italy in Books’ reviews on my other blog
LindyLouMac's Book Reviews
After reading your posts on this author...I am hunting down copies of her books.
ReplyDeleteI'm in Vancouver this week, so will head for the big city book stores to find something by this author - thanks for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteChristobel Kent sounds like a very interesting author and I shall be keeping an eye for her writing.
ReplyDeleteHelelxx
I've noticed Christobel Kent's books in the library, usually the later ones, and wondered if they are 'stand-alone' mystery novels or part of a series. A setting in Genoa sounds different. I will have to go back and read your review for A Party in San Niccolo.
ReplyDeleteHmm, sounds interesting. I like a good mystery now and again, especially one with an Italian backdrop.
ReplyDeleteSeems like an exciting book and some mystery. I`v never heard about the author before.., but no I have, thanks to you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your nice comment on my blog:-)
Hi Linda, I'm not sure this one is really grabbing me. I have just got a book from the library today called 'Notwithstanding' by Louis de Bernieres. I don't know what it's about but I got it because I read and loved Captain Correlli's Mandolin. So, we shall see. I am reading one called 'The Room' at the moment, on my sister's recommendation, but it is quite disturbing.I prefer to be entertained, or amused, I think. Thankyou for visiting and leaving comments. I could do with some jam jars at the moment as I am about to make chutney and don't think I have enough. Have a lovely weekend, love Linda x
ReplyDeleteHello Lindy, so nice to be able to visit my favorite blogs again. I've been tossed and turned by life lately, but still standing. Thanks for caring about me,and thanks for the nice comments you always leave me.
ReplyDeleteI am just glad to be here again.
Thanks for introducing me to a new author.
ReplyDeleteI love a good page-turner :) Thanks for the wonderful comment on my blog.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a book I'd like to read- thanks for the recommendation. I'll order it online from our great little library that ships in books from all over the province especially for us. sometimes it pays to live in a rural area. I do wish we had a bookstore though. Thanks Lindy Lou!
ReplyDeleteAfter your review I'd like to read Christobel Kent :) Have a nice weekend!
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