Welcome back readers!

 

May is already upon us, full of celebrations from maternal figures to a galaxy far, far away and what could be a better way to relax than cracking the spine (if you’re depraved like me) of a good book? Well, look no further than this month’s pick; a winning combo of entertainment, drama, subterfuge and biting comedy.

​

In The Confidence Woman, we delve into the manufactured yet chaotic life of self-described C-pex predator (I don’t know if that’s a real thing in the animal world but I want it to be) Christina, who offers her services online as Dr Ruth Carlisle; an ‘executive coach and mindset expert’ for narcissistic professional up-and-comers with a lot of money to burn and huge egos to stroke (a dime a dozen on LinkedIn). Her business may not be entirely found in truth but, in her mind at least, she maintains an ethical stance in her long-con by only going after big fish who will have no problem bouncing back from a little financial loss.

​

While Christina’s actions are questionable and at times downright illegal, she’s not the murderous sociopath Tom Ripley or status and wealth-obsessed Anna Delvey, but a struggling single mother whose only dream is to buy a modest 2-bedroom home for herself and young son.

​

A dream that is as elusive as it is stingingly relatable.

​

However, one poorly made decision sees her online persona start to unravel until the online world of Dr Ruth collides with reality that has Christina backed into a corner. The question is, what lengths will she go to in order to get out of it?

​

*ominous strings*

​

The Confidence Woman is an absolute stunner of a debut that parodies the ‘corporate woo-woo’ culture with a gripping, empathetic story at its heart. It’s hard not to feel for Christina as she escapes one disadvantaged childhood only to be manipulated by a parasitic former boss. As she comes to breaking point, I don’t blame her for resorting to less savory methods of recoupment*.

​

Sophie Quick has proven herself to be a quick-witted and versatile writer as the final chapters are layered with suspense that pulled me in like a domestic noir. I can’t praise her hilarious portrayal of Christina’s ‘marks’ high enough though, which is what made me an immediate fan as well as her tentative friendship with a new client that blooms into a one-sided infatuation (we’ve all been there, with Instagram as today’s wingman).

​

So, if you have a penchant for criminal underdogs with a heart of gold, corporate buffoonery and the rich getting slightly less rich, The Confidence Woman is a superb choice for your book club.

​

*But I do not endorse her actions.

​

SIMILAR TITLES

​​

Things Will Calm Down Soon by Zoë Foster Blake

Welcome to the hectic world of beauty and business in this highly relatable novel following a talented hair stylist turned entrepreneur juggling family dramas, workplace near-catastrophes and relationship crises. Things will calm down soon…right?

​

Search History by Amy Taylor

Rebecca meets Fleabag in a sharp and funny debut novel about dating in the internet age.

​

Better Days by Claire Zorn

Grace had it all, but couldn't hold it all ... A story of love, chaos and the music in-between, perfect for fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid.

​

Two Daughters by Alison Edwards

A brilliant debut reaching from the picturesque South Coast of NSW to the cloisters of Cambridge, following two young women's lives as they become entwined in ways neither could have expected. Exploring motherhood, class, social justice, love and identity, it is told with wit and empathy - perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty.