Adultery

Wickedly amusing entertainment for the reader in these linked short stories. Ailsa took a deep breath. 'Now I didn't come here to make a scene. I trained as a zoologist. I understand men's urges...' And she does. Pragmatic and world-weary, she has confronted several mistresses during the course of her marriage to her philandering husband. His unexpected death in the arms of his latest flame leaves Ailsa a wealthy widow, so she invests in a thriving hotel. Hotel d'Amour is a luxury retreat for the businessman and his 'other woman'. But, over gourmet dinners at her new 'mistresses only' nights, her women clients shed their inhibitions, telling tales of lust, envy and revenge. With shared experience comes some peace, and the promise of another kind of sanctuary for Ailsa. 'In the tradition of Boccaccio, Chaucer and the Stead of Salzburg Tales...witty, comic, sometimes moving, the entertainment is sharply pointed.' John Hanrahan, The Age. 'Oh yes, men will squirm...women will sing. Buy it.' John Cockley, Sunday Mail. 'Sardonic wit and polished writing, the mood behind this book is dangerous.' Helen Elliot, The Age.