Who can resist a big lakeside house in Italy and the uber rich who inhabit it? Not Ginny and Adam Trustlove, who are drawn towards the wealthy Sales despite being utterly heartbroken by the recent death of their baby son. Bea Sale, wife of a philandering husband and mother to three grown up kids, is the thread that holds everyone together. She and Ginny exchange confidences the first time they meet, and these confidences bind them to one another. A young, good looking stranger in their midst creates further fission. Bea’s children are frequently annoying and dramatic but her character is so well drawn it compels you to invest time in the book. I was quite absorbed, could hardly put it down. And there’s not even a murder in it! Candlish does better with her later book Our House, but this is a solid build up.
