Publisher: Doubleday
Released: 2013
Pages: 352
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4.5/5
Synopsis:
May Dugas learned at a young age that she could easily get
what she wanted from men. After her father passed away, she felt it was her
duty to provide for her family. Her beauty could be used for her advantage, and
help her dire situation. In Parlor Games, May Dugas provides readers with her
side of the story during her extortion trial. May wanted more than her small
town could provide, she had her heart set on living a large, high society life.
After a brief stint as a prostitute, May moved on to bigger and better things, the
many trinkets she received fueled her fire for the finer things in life. May
had many obstacles in front of her, the life she wanted had many protocols and
she didn’t fit the mold which singled her out. Along the way, men and
friendships were sacrificed.
Review:
Parlor Games
begins with a bang, and keeps readers hanging on to the pages, wondering how
May went about her everyday life and what she could have possibly done to find
herself on trial. I really didn’t expect to root for May throughout
the novel, but I did. This caused me to question May as a narrator, and how she
could sweet-talk readers. Should I have been rooting for May? May was a
determined and ruthless individual. She knew how to work her charm to get what
she wanted; she wasn’t going to continue to live in poverty. The world was her
oyster and she was going to find the hidden treasures. Many engagements later,
May became a baroness. However, throughout the book the Pinkerton detective
continues to find May and threaten to disclose her true identity.
Readers who are looking for a captivating read will want to
pick this one up. The back a forth between the trail and May's accounts of her life, really adds to the story. May is not your usual character, and she will keep you glued
to the pages. Based on a true story, Parlor Games delivers a fantastic setting.
May Dugas is a charming criminal who will have you on her side and questioning
how you could go along with her scheming ideas.
Biaggio must be a talented author to be able to create such a fascinating character.
ReplyDeleteI don't recall hearing of the book before, but it sounds fantastic and is going on my "to buy" list right now. Terrific review, Jennifer!
ReplyDeleteI just got this one on audio, and am going to be listening to it after I finish the Song of Achilles. It sounds like such an enthralling story, and the fact that the main character had even you wound around her finger really impresses me. I can't wait for this one!
ReplyDeleteAnd the audio version just won the AudioFile Earphones Award! Leslie Carroll, the reader, is a former actress who does a great job on this one.
DeleteThank you! Actually, I am still an actress, although my own writing and audiobook narration keep me pretty busy, so I am not on stage as often as I used to be. :)
DeleteP.S. Maryka's novel was a joy to record. May is just delicious and the supporting characters are fascinating as well!
DeleteSounds great and the cover is awesome.
ReplyDeleteNew to me and I liked your review.
ReplyDeleteI keep eyeing this book every time I see it on the shelves at the bookstore because it is gorgeous! Now that I know the story is wonderful as well, I might be giving in!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds very good, and I just love the cover!
ReplyDelete