After the death of her abusive husband, Argentine heiress Carlotta has arrived for a summer in St Tropez, thanks to Maximus Gobbi who knows everyone worth knowing. Her arrival coincides with a spate of strange deaths that kick off when a billionaire’s party turns nasty. As the police move in to investigate whether these incidents are accidental or foul play, there are fears it will scar forever this summer playground of the rich and famous. This has a number of characters to keep track of – from aging actress Sophie Silvestri to rich divorcee Lara Meyer and sexy singer Mina Corbain. Having two male characters with similar names - gold-digging gigilo Fabrizio and waiter Francois – proved confusing. Ultimately, the villain was too predictable, as was using the device of having the crims detail all their evil doings to their final victim. I also do not think the title suits the story. Nevertheless, if you are looking for an escapist romp with plenty of intrigue, this French Riviera tale may suit.
Actress Joan Collins takes us on a romp through the playground of the rich and famous in her novel, The St Tropez Lonely Hearts Club. The summary says: "Contessa Carlotta di Ponti, stunningly beautiful and filthy rich, has finally escaped her abusive marriage and is looking to find true love in St Tropez. The party season kicks off with a spectacular bash at billionaire Harry Silver's palatial mansion, but tragedy soon strikes. Could seemingly innocuous events - a bad oyster, a fatal wasp sting, a faulty funicular - mean something more sinister for the bejewelled citizens of St Tropez? It is up to glamorous detective Gabrielle Poulpe to save the day and find the murderer in their midst or life on St Tropez as its residents know it could be over forever. Can Gabrielle find the culprit before it's too late? Join the wealthy and the fabulous in the ultimate playground of the rich and the famous, for sun, sin, sex and scandal as they battle a threat from within..." The St Tropez Lonely Hearts Club is out in November 2015. Collins has dedicated the book to her late sister, Jackie.