LINDA FRANCIS LEE
DEVIL IN THE JUNIOR LEAGUE
by Linda Francis Lee
One of the most exclusive ladies clubs in the country gets its tailored skirt blown up over its head in the wickedly hilarious and sexy new novel, THE DEVIL IN THE JUNIOR LEAGUE by Linda Francis Lee (St. Martin’s; September 2006; $22.95). Setting her story on the socialite-eat-socialite stage of Texas’ high society bluebloods, former Junior Leaguer Lee invites readers into a world where wealth and prominent names trump all, and where more than a few ladies hide secrets under their well-coifed façades of impeccable manners. The movie rights for THE DEVIL IN THE JUNIOR LEAGUE have been optioned by FOX 2000.
The Junior League of Willow Creek, Texas, is très exclusive and undesirables need not apply. For years, 28-year-old Fredericka Mercedes Hildebrand Ware (Frede to her friends) had been a proud Junior Leaguer beyond reproach. When her scheming husband betrays her, steals all her money, disappears, and then reemerges only to kick her out of her own house, Frede’s League reputation falls into great peril. Barely keeping up appearances, Frede is forced to seek covert legal assistance from her tasteless, gold-chain-wearing, nouveau riche neighbor and lawyer, Howard Grout. Not surprisingly, Grout’s help comes with a price tag: He insists that Frede get his tacky, four-inch stiletto heeled and pink-spandex-adorned wife, Nikki, into Willow Creek’s Junior League. In a desperate attempt to reclaim her fortune and seek revenge against her despicable spouse, Frede reluctantly accepts the seemingly impossible challenge.
Like her fictional divas of polite society, Lee has experienced firsthand the two-step of getting in and getting along with the real-life crème de la crème, Texas-style. During an interview, she can discuss, among other topics:
* No Diamonds Before Dinner – 10 ways women undermine their social success;
* Women’s Wear – What every woman should and should not have in her closet;
* Rising Above the Hoi Polloi – Manners, etiquette and style tips for high-society hobnobbing;
* Speak No Evil – Taboo topics of conversation;
* High Tea – Planning the perfect luncheon or dinner party; and
* When the Going Gets Tough – A socialite picks herself up and re-fluffs her hair; confidence, poise, and that certain je ne sais quoi.
Author of several novels, Linda Francis Lee is the daughter of a former two-term Texas mayor, was a Texas Debutante, and once competed for the Maid of Cotton crown (an experience about which she now reasons, “It sounded like a good idea at the time!”). Lee lives with her husband in New York City, where she has learned it’s not such a good idea to say things like, “Aren't you sweet” to people on the subway.