Rupert James has written a very entertaining story in his new novel, Silk. The British author writes under three different names: Rupert Smith (literary fiction), Rupert James (commercial fiction) and James Lear (erotic fiction). Silk is in the commercial category and is described as “Thriller/Romance” by the publisher, Cleis Press. The novel is a fast-paced, interesting, and entertaining description of the international fashion industry, the British legal system, and the relationships of well-developed characters.

Three story lines are followed in the novel with long chapters divided in focus between four main characters. These divisions are short and alternating keeping the reader’s attention. There are no extraneous diversions, but just a straight-forward presentation of increasingly tense vignettes. Catherine is a barrister who specializes in divorce cases of wealthy couples. She has a very successful record of winning good settlements for the spouse she represents. Catherine expects to be appointed to the “Queen’s Council,” a group of elite barristers who can be identified by their silk court gowns. Isabelle is Catherine’s daughter, a fashion school graduate who develops a very good line of clothing with the help of her gay business associate, Will. Massimo is a clothing manufacturer with a high recognition Italian label who agrees to produce Isabelle’s line. Catherine represents Massimo in his divorce proceedings without knowing that he is a liar and gangster. Victoria is Massimo’s long-time mistress who is aging and has nothing to show for her devotion to Massimo. You can see the potential twists and turns with this collection of characters and various minor players.

The action takes place primarily in London with scenes in southern France, Paris, and New York. The desire for money, prestige, and sex drive the main players to desperate actions, and the reader enjoys all the success, jealousy, revenge, violence, wealthy lifestyle, and beautiful people of the fashion industry. The reader also gains some insight into the workings of the British legal system, enjoying the conniving activity of stuffy characters who below the surface are motivated by the same factors as the glitzy fashion-focused players.

I think this is a good crossover book for readers who normally choose thrillers and those who read romance novels. Rupert James is a skilled writer who manipulates the reactions of the reader in an entertaining style. Silk reminds me of a crossover novel I read a few years ago, This Year's Model by model Carol Alt. My interest in and enjoyment of the action and characters did not flag throughout the lengthy novel (473 pages). ( )