The Many Lies of Veronica Hawkins

An American woman learns to navigate Hong Kong’s wealthy expat culture in this busy debut from literary agent Pérez. After moving to Hong Kong for her husband’s finance job, Martina Torres struggles to adjust, with little to do but attend luncheons with the ruthless wives of executives. Longing for more meaningful connections, she’s thrilled when she meets the sophisticated Veronica Hawkins, heiress to a British mercantile dynasty. The two become fast friends, with Veronica teaching Martina to love Hong Kong and empowering her to return to work. Then Veronica drowns during a ball at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club—though no one saw her fall into the water. Just before she died, Veronica named Martina the director of a foundation that supports up-and-coming artists. When financial discrepancies pop up after Veronica’s death, Martina is accused of embezzlement. Determined to clear her name and find out what happened to her friend, Martina launches an investigation that unearths inconsistencies in Veronica’s biography. Pérez provides fascinating tidbits about Hong Kong’s colonial history, but they’re not enough to compensate for an overstuffed plot that resolves with a too-predictable twist. It’s a case of squandered potential. Agent: Joelle Hobeika, Alloy Entertainment. (Sept.)