Tables

In his first novel, art historian Lucas proves to be a terrifically entertaining tattletale on the world of Manhattan's monied movers and shakers. His upper-crust characters like to be seen dining at Rudi's, a restaurant run by tall, dark and ambitious Mario Fermi. After a spectacular fight with his temperamental boss, Mario storms out the door and soon thereafter opens Tables, a rival establishment. Trailing behind him is a juicy cast that includes his coked-up girlfriend Maggie, an art dealer; her alcoholic brother, Rudi's lover; gorgeous socialite and gifted interior designer Frances McKinnon; her pleasant, reserved husband; and a savvy actress who's scratched her way to the top. The key ingredient in their lives is blackmail: almost everyone on these pages is forking over huge sums to one unknown, detestable party. The fates of all are set on a collision course when Frances and Mario (who, as the reader is told repeatedly, are of the ages to be mother and son) launch an indiscreet affair. This is a surefire bestseller, bubbling with all the intrigue money can buy, laced with a wicked shot of vitriol. 75,000 first printing; major ad/promo. (June)