I wasn’t sure where this book was going, at first. It follows Teddy Huntley, a member of a wealthy and well connected Texan family, in the early days of her life as a newly wed in Rome. She’s introduced trying to hide a blood stained dress. The structure has Teddy being interviewed by… police? Special agents? And the mystery of what led her to this point drives the novel.

Entertaining and twisting, it explores a complex and interesting mind. Teddy is used to being underestimated and misunderstood, and the novel shows her growth and attempts to break out of the box others have put her in.

¡This book is the graphic example of glamour! Was a easy to hook and page turner book. Teddy is such a chaotic character and that was what make me love her. This book is set in 1960 on Italy I adored the extremely detail atmosphere, but the book is full of suspense and adventure. With a interesting plot, a very easy to read structure. For me was a delight read this book. Can’t wait to read more of the author.

Glamorous, atmospheric and page-turning, TEDDY will absolutely be the hottest book of summer 2023. I loved experiencing Teddy’s tense and carefully constructed world of 1960s Italy, her world felt like MAD MEN meets THE BELL JAR. I particularly loved the detail-oriented setting, Dunlay brings Rome to life in a way that reminds me of Winman’s STILL LIFE, you can feel the heat and the history. An absolute must-read!

What a glamorous book, very excited to read and share Teddy’s adventures, I think this would make a great movie or book club choice. Who doesn’t love 1960s glamour packed with suspense and adventure. Will be sharing a full review soon!

This was perfect companion reading for the latest series of Feud, which at the time of writing covers Truman Capote and his Swans (socialites). Capote’s high society scandals are slightly later than the time frame of this book, but the atmosphere and milieu are very much aligned: diplomacy, depravity and decadence fused with sharp dressing and a whip-smart central voice (I noted down so many beautiful metaphors and other descriptive language).

The thinking woman's beach read this summer - a compulsive page-turner with a chaotic but oh-so-relatable heroine who finds herself caught in a net of political machinations and unwise affairs.