The Impostors: A Novel [B0738]

2019 PB in excellent condition. In this contemporary British novel wealthy London banker Ronald Chapman is found dead. A suicide apparently, though the police are still on the case. Janet, his beautiful widow and sole heir to their fortune, finally freed from her loveless marriage, turns to her beloved Shakespeare for solace: After life's fitful fever, he sleeps well; nothing can touch him further. As she awaits the release of Ronald's body for burial, there are arrangements to be made and appearances to uphold. She has only one problem: Ronald's best friend, who is expected by family and friends to speak at the funeral...doesn't actually exist. Can the Extra! agency's specialists in the rental of fake hecklers, phony cuckolds, inexistent relatives, sham boyfriends, and counterfeit job candidates help? Extra!'s boss, Mike Fielding, is ready for anything that's more or less within the law and might be approved by his alter ego, private-eye Philip Marlowe. The job falls on failed actor Will Power, who is buffeted between the dull reality of his own life and the exciting, romantic world of make-believe in this wicked comedy of deceit, treachery and love. All the world's a stage...From slapstick and laugh-out-loud to dry and satirical, Balding uses wit in all its forms to tell a story of lies and façades that, refreshingly, shows us the lighter side of deception...With a host of colorful characters, and plenty of secrets to uncover, The Imposters is a hilarious look at the human capacity for lies, deception and fantasy.

From Amazon/GoodReads reviews: "With The Impostors, Balding crafted a story so real and yet improbable, where the characters, from the nicest guy to the irresistible widow cannot leave the reader indifferent. The Extra! Agency, run by a would-be Phillip Marlowe, is so real that one wonders if it DOES exist, rushes to the help (for a fee) of the unloved girl, the shy job candidate or the betrayed widow. Without being overly complex, the plot is masterfully weaved and leads to an unexpected conclusion. The book is funny and gripping, impossible to put down."; "I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The writing is excellent and the plot captivating. I finished it over the course of a day. Highly recommended!"; "I loved reading The Impostors. It is a very funny, witty, and well written book. The characters are very well drawn and totally engaging. This is a fast moving story that very much appealed to me."