Private Clients

"Private clients" is a captivating thriller filled with complex characters, intriguing relationships, and chilling secrets. Recent college graduate Laura Barnett moves to Manhattan to begin her studies in fashion design. Naive and unprepared for big city life, Laura relies on the guidance of Tim Hansen, a handsome realtor, and Sandra Norris, her best friend's aunt who offers her a temporary home. Less than a month later, Laura moves into her own apartment in a luxury doorman building on a tree-lined street on the Upper West Side and starts classes at the Fashion Institute of Technology. On the first day of class, she makes a new friend, a dynamic and beautiful woman whose life experiences and positive attitude, open Laura's heart and mind to the richness of diversity and the true meaning of friendship. Tim and Laura begin to date. His good looks, savvy New York demeanor, and attentiveness to Laura draw her closer to him. Laura is sure her life is perfect until a series of disturbing events occur, coincidences that are unhealthy and alarming. Laura suspects that she and other young, single women tenants in the building are in danger but has little proof. She teams up with her new friend to seek answers and becomes entangled in a dark secret, threatening both of them. Can she trust those closest to her with her fears and suspicions or will she become a victim?

Marsha H. Lupi has had a forty-year career in academia at Hunter College of the City University of New York and the University of North Florida. She feels fortunate to have taught and mentored a diverse group of college students. They have deeply enriched her life and career. She resides in San Marcos, California with her daughter, son-in-law, two amazing granddaughters, and three cats. "Private Clients" is her first novel.