Escape by Death
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
Harriet Jarreau cannot bear the thought of the end of her marriage to Peter, who married for her substantial fortune. No longer able to tolerate an oppressive marriage, he decides to leave her. His relief at this decision is palpable even though he is aware of the luxurious life he is about to give up...unless somehow she were gone. Stephen, Harriet's nephew, is a beneficiary of her Will. He also constantly cajoles her into implementing the meager allowance she gives him as Trustee of an inheritance from his late mother. Beneath his affable facade, however, he feels a burning resentment toward her and her control over him in denying what is rightfully his. André, Stephen's significant other, is forbidden to enter Harriet's home because of his "disgraceful" relationship with her nephew. He despises her and reminds Stephen of the luxurious life they could enjoy if only Harriet weren't around. Katy, the housemaid, is in love with Peter. She is naive in her belief that he returns her feelings because of his occasional flattering remarks. Her disdain toward Harriet is unrestrained, and she unequivocally believes she would be the next Mrs. Jarreau if only Harriet didn't exist. Faced with these unacceptable circumstances in their lives, who will be desperate enough to escape...by a death?
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
Harriet Jarreau cannot bear the thought of the end of her marriage to Peter, who married for her substantial fortune. No longer able to tolerate an oppressive marriage, he decides to leave her. His relief at this decision is palpable even though he is aware of the luxurious life he is about to give up...unless somehow she were gone. Stephen, Harriet's nephew, is a beneficiary of her Will. He also constantly cajoles her into implementing the meager allowance she gives him as Trustee of an inheritance from his late mother. Beneath his affable facade, however, he feels a burning resentment toward her and her control over him in denying what is rightfully his. André, Stephen's significant other, is forbidden to enter Harriet's home because of his "disgraceful" relationship with her nephew. He despises her and reminds Stephen of the luxurious life they could enjoy if only Harriet weren't around. Katy, the housemaid, is in love with Peter. She is naive in her belief that he returns her feelings because of his occasional flattering remarks. Her disdain toward Harriet is unrestrained, and she unequivocally believes she would be the next Mrs. Jarreau if only Harriet didn't exist. Faced with these unacceptable circumstances in their lives, who will be desperate enough to escape...by a death?
About the Author
Mary-Jo Balman is a travel writer, novelist and photographer, having traveled throughout the world. Her first three novels are based in China, Japan and Australia, and she has in progress an account of her ancestry which begins in the early 1800's in Nola, Italy to the present time, and in which the colorful dialogue rivals that found in her previous works. Her first novel, Jennie In China, was published in 1986. She attended the University of California in Berkeley, graduating with a BA in linguistics and creative writing in 1967. Following that, she received a teaching credential and became an elementary school teacher in San Francisco. Three years later, she decided to become a para-legal working for her husband in his law practice. She lived, worked and traveled in Europe for two years and in Japan for three years and now resides in San Francisco and continues to travel the world with her husband.