Judith Gould, The Secret Heiress

The Secret Heiress

Judith Gould

NAL, October 2006, $23.95

ISBN: 045121966X

With the death of her father, Nikoletta "Niki" Papadaki takes charge of Papadaki Private Holdings Limited, an international firm with factories all over the world. However, the pampered Niki only cares about the bottom line, which angers environmentalists and other activist groups. One particular extremist faction decides to take matters in their own hands by harming, perhaps even killing the egomaniac.

Company executives are concerned that their image, especially that of hedonistic Niki could cause PPHL troubles resulting in financial losses. They decide they need a more responsible person at the helm. They turn to Ariadne, Niki's twin sister, given up for adoption years ago. Though she knows nothing about her biological family or her late sire's firm, Ariadne brings common sense and an appreciation of social and geo-reasonability of a major company. She also begins to fall in love with her bodyguard Matt.

The dramatically opposite personalities of the twin sisters make for a fine contemporary romantic thriller, though finding a former throw away twin is too simple of a solution, and the climax is too neat of a wrap-up. The storyline is fast-paced, as the PPHL board changes leadership hoping that a responsible look alike puppet (Ariadne) will save their reputation, that spoiled Niki has devastated with her let them eat cake attitude. THE SECRET HEIRESS is an interesting look at how nurturing shapes the personality.