We Could Be Beautiful by Swan Huntley

We Could Be Beautiful…here is a compulsively readable and twisty novel about Catherine, Manhattan socialite with an outward appearance of having it all:  the posh digs, the creative art/card boutique, interesting friends…if that is what you consider “all.”  Catherine desperately wants a husband and family, and to find that missing piece to feel fulfilled.

Enter William, suave and accomplished banker whose outward appearance depicts the perfect beau to Catherine.  A charming courtship ensues.  Catherine tells her mother, in an Alzheimer’s facility, about William, and she immediately closes up.  The more Catherine prods, the more tight-lipped her mother becomes, but Catherine blames it on her disease.  She and William quickly move in together, and we quickly pick up on some of William’s idiosyncracies.   This is when my antennae go up and I realize I did check out a psychological thriller.

A little reminiscent of the old Julia Roberts movie “Sleeping With the Enemy,” We Could Be Beautiful is a good read.  Swan Huntley maintains a moderate and steady pace, allowing the chilling twists to creep up on you.  I was on the right track, but not completely, and I like that.  I want to have an inkling, but be surprised. I am quite glad I gave We Could Be Beautiful a try.