I haven’t read any of Jonathan Dee’s previous four novels (most recently Palladio) but having just finished his latest, The Privileges, I admit to being tempted. Dee took an absolutely foreign and somewhat unappealing lifestyle -- the ridiculously wealthy -- and made the story interesting and the characters sympathetic and likeable. The Privileges opens on the wedding of Adam and Cynthia Morey who seem to have it all -- good looks, good prospects, close family and friends. They are also ambitious and truly in love. Adam has become the golden and favored employee of the small but successful investment firm where he works, and soon demonstrates an aptitude for making money... a lot of money. But this is easy for him, even too easy, and he makes the dubious decision to embark on an insider trading scheme which earns him even more piles of money. He is smart however and managing the risk is part of the game, a game which he sees as harmless and victimless. And yet I still manage to like him. This is the surprise and strength of The Privileges. Dee creates a work of fiction which plumbs some emotional and current headlines and manages to create a story that kept me hooked with characters I found fascinating. Highly recommended! ~Patti