Nobody's Fault

Inspired by an actual murder case, Holmes's stylish novel, set in London, Paris, and elegant country homes, grips the reader in its initial scenes, then falls into the doldrums along with its heroine, delicately exquisite Amanda Warrington, when she loses her lover. Though the author, a Texas journalist, recovers her panache in time to provide a satisfying conclusion, the impressions remains that she has made uneven use of her gifts here. In 1974, intending to kill Amanda, his wife, Lord Charles Warrington murders his son Patrick's nanny. The author retraces events leading to the crime: how Amanda bags the unstable and well-connected lord, a compulsive gambler; how they both adore their son; how, beset by debts, recurring migraines and nightmares, Amanda becomes abusive and isolated; how she finds a perfect lover and loses him. Then comes a rehash of the crime, an inquest, a battle between Amanda and her sister for custody of Patrick, bankruptcy, commentary about aristocrats taking care only of their own and, finally, Amanda's attainment of mature contentment. While not quite top-drawer, this novel--like its heroine--has enough class to do well. 100,000 first printing; $100,000 ad/promo; Literary Guild selection. (Jan.)