The Gilded Life of Matilda Duplaine - by Alex Brunkhorst (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The story begins with a dinner party invitation... When young journalist Thomas Cleary is sent to dig up quotes for the obituary of a legendary film producer, the man's eccentric daughter offers him access to the exclusive upper echelons of Hollywood society. As Thomas enters a world of private jets and sprawling mansions, his life and career take off beyond his wildest dreams.

Then he meets Matilda Duplaine.

Beautiful and mysterious, Matilda has spent her entire life within the walls of her powerful father's Bel-Air estate. Thomas is entranced, and the two begin a secret love affair. But the more he learns about the mysterious woman's identity, the more he realizes that privilege always comes with a price.

Review Quotes

"Wonderfully appealing, both romantic and moody-reminiscent of Daphne du Maurier."
-Kirkus Reviews

"A fascinating, bittersweet journey into the heart of modern-day Hollywood."

-Bookpage

"Brunkhorst's story is full of memorable characters and contains a first-rate plot..... A bittersweet treat."

-Publishers Weekly

"Though set in modern-day Los Angeles, the style of Brunkhorst's writing and the nuances of her tale hearken back to the glory days of glamorous Hollywood. Readers seeking to lose themselves in a lush, romantic mystery will be richly rewarded here."
-Booklist

"The Gilded Life of Matilda Duplaine is an irresistible gem of a book. Part novel of manners, part journey of self-discovery, I was absolutely swept away by this entrancing tale of love and privilege."

-Tara Conklin, New York Times bestselling author of The House Girl

"Alex Brunkhorst writes as deftly of the lives of the elite as she does of the secrets they and their acolytes keep to stay in power-whatever the cost."

-Miranda Beverly-Whittemore, New York Times bestselling author of Bittersweet