Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand

Hearing that a “beach read” was enthusiastically recommended recently by the editor of the New York Times Book Review was a bit surprising. But so was learning that the prolific author Elin Hilderbrand (The Five Star Weekend) is going to retire after the publication of her latest book set in Nantucket, the aptly named SWAN SONG. This is a great, suspenseful summer read which features Coco, a young woman with all of the energy her name implies. In the hopes of getting her screenplay produced, she has bluffed her way into a personal concierge position with a wealthy investor, Bull Richardson and his wild, party-loving wife, Leslee. The couple is new to Nantucket and purchase a huge home and yacht as they try to get accepted at an exclusive club. As Hilderbrand’s narrative switches between the beginning and end of the summer, she employs some foreshadowing amongst her vivid descriptions of the excesses (imported Amalfi lemons, anyone?). With a touch of romance and plenty of mystery, SWAN SONG received a starred review from Kirkus and was a LibraryReads Hall of Fame title for June. If you are looking for a diverting summer read, add SWAN SONG to your to-be-read pile now.