"Perfect Red" is a thoroughly enjoyable read. The early years after World War II is an era filled with emotional ups and downs. It is in this world of joy of victory, tempered by the McCarthy witch hunts, that Lucy, secretary to a New York book editor, moves. The novel is a fast-moving page turner, and you "feel" for Lucy every step of the way as deception follows deception. The characters are all very finely drawn, no confusing one with another here, and the dialogue spot-on. The plot is totally original, and for avid readers, any insight into the high stakes world of book publishing is a bonus. Forget Pink Pleasure or Misty Mango - "Perfect Red" is passion personified. ( )