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Summary: Behind the Velvet Rope
Review: Well, well, well, this tale of a social climbing, backstabbing, husband stealing, couture wearing, billionaire marrying, air kissing, murderess, socialite of New York was way more fun than I ever imagined. Main character, Jo Slater had a whole bunch of other redeeming qualities that made her very likable, but I don't think I cared THAT much about that. I just wanted to be on her guest list. I wanted to be part of her privileged world. Jane Stanton Hitchcock wrote in such a gracious and inviting manner that I did feel like one of the privileged few.
I could hardly wait to see what would happen next. I wanted to know who's money, power and influence was doing what to who and when and HOW. What a guilty pleasure this story way. It was snippy, gossipy, witty and funny. Okay, so there WAS a murder and that's serious stuff, but so what. These were fictitious characters and a fictitious plot and every bit of the story wasn't always believable. Still, I liked it because whatever that thing is that makes us watch the rich and famous was operating at full speed.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Read
Review: This is a fast paced page turner. The heroine is bright and sympathetic,the villian is deliciously deceptive and the supporting cast memorable. The author's quick wit and keen social observations are on full display. This book has lingered in my thoughts well after the last sentence was read.
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Summary: Super Read
Review: This book fun, sly, and a great tale. I literally could not put it down. It's an amazing read. Highly recommended.
Rating: 
Summary: Poor imitation
Review: I was very disappointed with this book. Social Crimes is a hollow imitation of Edith Wharton's books on New York Society. Hitchcock is well aware of Wharton having written a play based on two of her books. Like House of Mirth, her main character falls from society, but unlike Lily, Jo doesn't have any redeeming qualities. You simply don't care about her. I agree with some of the other reviewers that several parts of the story didn't ring true. I had to laugh when she goes on a diet and loses 15 pounds in 3 weeks. Talk about fiction! All the details of wills may have been legal, but again none of it seemed plausible. The main character doesn't really gain the reader's simpathy, she's just too ... Like Lily in House of Mirth, she keeps getting deeper and deeper into trouble and nothing seems to go right, but unlike Lily, she is very aware of her actions and seems downright petty in some of them (for example paying the waiter to spill a dessert on Monique's haute coutour dress). As for the similarities of Marie Antoinette, I think I would have rather read a real history rather than the bits and pieces in this novel.I was really hoping that Hitchcock would have a better resolution to Jo's dilemna, but with such a poor main character I wasn't surprised by the ending. Save your money and buy one of Edith Wharton's books, or if you want a modern take on New York Society, read "The Nanny Diaries."
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Summary: think again
Review: Although some may see this novel as predictable, Hitchcock's voice is fun and engaging. If the plot can be anticipated, it is still worth the trip since protagonist Jo is so likeable, and it's enjoyable to spend time with her. The plot concentrates on the decline of a NY social queen to the depths of bankrupcy as a result of Monique's malice. It is the willful act of destroying Jo, rather than uncontrolled tragedy, that makes this novel fun rather than morose. Although the depth and repetition of suffering wore me down, it makes Jo's final actions believable. Definitely a good choice for summer reading--I am glad I heard the interview on Diane Ryme's show.
Rating: 
Summary: Pitiful
Review: Boring and predictible. if new yorkers love it, they need to reassess their basic value packages. Lifestyles of these insipid characters are disgusting. Who cares about any of them?
Rating:
Summary: Disappointing book!
Review: Insipid main character. Silly and weak plot. I bought the book because of and interview on NPR's Diane Rehm show. I will be more discretionary in the future. Huge disappointment. Don't waste your book buying dollars. It has some very positive reviews on the jacket. One from William Safire of the NY Times. "It's the novel to watch for best-sellerdom in 2002." Wow! Did he like it or does he think that the reading public is ignorant?
Rating:
Summary: likable but unbelievable
Review: I liked reading this book and was intrigued with the descriptions of the very wealthy. Unfortunately some of the most significant aspects of the plot absolutely did not ring true. One example is that the lawyer and witnesses (notary publics)did not ask the Monique impersonator for indentification. I don't think this would happen in real life. There were a few instances where the reader was asked to suspend belief and this kind of ruined the book for me.
Rating:
Summary: Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous
Review: "Social Crimes" is the perfect fast beach read and very entertaining. I read it over the weekend. Most mysteries are predicable and I don't think the author is trying to be Agatha Christie. People that don't live in the New York City area or aren't aware of the social circles depicted in the book won't find it as amusing since the book is set in the city and the Hamptons. The book is exactly what it should be - fun!
Rating:
Summary: Perfect Beach Read
Review: The woman in the book store said that she hadn't read it but that it was flying out of the store. I can see why!!! I purchased it and spent the next day on the beach devouring it. Perfect beach book, easy read, good plotting and thoroughly enjoyable.
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