A Perfect Crime - Softcover

Abrahams, Peter

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0345426800 ISBN 13: 9780345426802

Publisher: Ballantine Books, 1999

Synopsis

Distraught by a failing marriage, Francie Cullingwood enters into a secret affair with charismatic radio psychologist Ned Demarco. But what seems like a refuge takes a decidedly dark turn. For when the liaison is discovered, a seething, enraged genius begins to construct the perfect, flawless murder, manipulating Francie, her lover, and her best friend like chess pieces in a lethal game. But even the most brilliant mind can make mistakes. And soon the intricate plan is spinning wildly out of control--in shocking, fatal directions. . . .

An unfaithful wife. A cheating lover. A loyal friend. A jealous husband. In this stunning thriller, four lives hang in precarious balance--as a cunning killer prepares their roles in A Perfect Crime.

About this title

From the Author:

Afterthoughts on A Perfect Crime
A Perfect Crime scared me a little bit, too, especially on the days I was writing from Roger's point-of-view. Roger has an IQ of 181. (I worried that figure was too high to be believable, until I read of some Wall Streeter with a 200-and-something IQ - I believe he notes it on his business card.) Putting myself inside such a potent brain was an adventure - it seemed to have such a nasty angle on so many things. The extra IQ points vanished the moment I left my desk, of course. And the nastiness, too, I hope.

Adultery: I received some mail from American readers who simply could not like Francie because of the fact that she was having an affair. I'm very curious whether there will be any similar reaction from the U.K.

Where did the idea come from? Although the story has links to The Scarlet Letter, an important book in the American canon, it began in my mind with the image of that beautiful, piney cabin - where Francie and Ned would meet - isolated on an island in a frozen river. I had the feeling it was a perfect place for both very good and very terrible things to happen.

About the Author:

Peter Abrahams is the author of eight previous novels, including The Fan and Lights Out, which was nominated for an Edgar Award for best novel. He lives on Cape Cod with his wife and four children.

About this edition

• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0345426800
• ISBN 13: 9780345426802
• Binding: Paperback