Dear Listener: False Pretenses was not only my first contemporary suspense novel, but was also my first hardcover, published in October 1988. It came out the following May in paperback. Meet Elizabeth Carleton, a fascinating woman who is not only a famous concert pianist, but is also married to a wealthy international business tycoon, Timothy Carleton. She is the envy of all until her perfect life falls apart literally in a heartbeat: Timothy Carleton is stabbed in the chest with an ice pick and Elizabeth is accused of his murder. Things rapidly go from bad to worse until a surprise witness appears to give her an airtight alibi. The jury finds her not guilty. The only thing is: She’s never met the man who testified on her behalf. What does he want? There is also her late husband’s family, who are out to destroy her. On top of everything else, Elizabeth is expected to take over the financial empire her husband left behind. Then three men suddenly appear in her life. Can she trust any of them? Or is one of them a murderer? I hope this story will have you turning each dark corner with Elizabeth to see who’s there to do her in. Let me know what you think. Catherine Coulter
Download and start listening now!
"When the book begins with the defendant getting an alibi for someone she's never met before, it's a great start in my estimation."
— Lee (4 out of 5 stars)
" Mystery, suspense, drama, sex, romance, adventure, money...what's not to like? Fast paced, interesting book. "
— Susan, 1/7/2014" this is her best book I have read so far! I have really enjoyed this store! "
— Jillian, 1/4/2014" It was a good story, but I never connected with Elizabeth. "
— Gini, 1/1/2014" Great Suspense!!! Wonderful read "
— Myra, 12/1/2013" Given to me by my aunt - perfect for reading while on airplanes or at the beach. Wealthy, widowed and accused of murder - you get the picture. "
— Rebecca, 11/22/2013" just ok in my book that means do not take the time to read it as there are so many other good ones out there. "
— Michelle, 11/20/2013" amazing and mysterious book. it surprises you with every turn of the page. "
— Karen, 11/14/2013" Really good who-dunnit! "
— Sandy, 10/31/2013" Story line read like a soap opera, and I found it to be highly unbelievable at certain junctures, but an entertaining read nonetheless... "
— Jason, 9/22/2013" Well develped murder and suspense. It was good reading. "
— Della, 7/14/2013" young woman accused of killing her husband with a silver ice pic, pretty good once into it. "
— Mary, 6/27/2013" kept me guessing for a lot of the book. Didnt totally love the characters, but well written "
— Tiffany, 6/14/2013" It was fun to read a book based in NYC when I was on my way there. Engaging and easy to read. "
— Margaret, 5/18/2013" You have to be able to buy in to the premise that a musician "off the street" could quickly take control of a multinational conglomerate -- then drift away... I wasn't as bothered by "datedness" as the Publisher's Weekly reviewer. "
— Pr, 4/24/2013" Not as good as some of her others, but entertaining "
— Dmanuck, 4/3/2013" This book had an interesting premise and I enjoy Coulter's style because she has a sense of humor as well as a talent for romantic suspense. "
— Shea, 3/23/2013" Quick thoughtless read... "
— Tory, 3/20/2013" 380 pages "
— Barb, 1/24/2013" Despite being published in 1988 I liked it and did not find it all that dated. It has an interesting plot and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the next to the last page. "
— Vicki, 1/21/2013Catherine Coulter is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of eighty-seven novels, including the FBI Thriller series and A Brit in the FBI international thriller series, cowritten with J. T. Ellison.
Renée Raudman is an actor and Earphones Award–winning audiobook narrator. She has performed on film, television, radio, and on stage and can also be heard in several video games and hundreds of television and radio voice-overs.
Paul Costanzo earned both his BA and MA from Juilliard in trumpet performance. As a freelance performer his musical credits range from the Metropolitan to the San Francisco Symphony. He has also been a voice actor for over twenty years and has performed numerous radio commercials, television promos, and narrations for major corporations nationwide. As an audiobook narrator and director, he records regularly for Brilliance Audio, Tantor Media, and Deyan Audio.