Queen K: The 'dark and brilliant' 2023 debut novel that uncovers the corruption of the Russian super-rich

In Queen K, Calla Henkel explores the lives of the wealthy, focusing on Kata, an oligarch's wife who desires acceptance into high society. Mel, a young English woman employed to tutor Kata's daughter, witnesses the corruption and violence beneath the shiny surfaces. The novel is a tragedy about insatiable material desire.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 16 February 2023
Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

A captivating debut novel that will captivate readers who enjoyed "The White Lotus." Thomas masterfully dissects the customs and foolishness of the privileged elite with his razor-sharp wit.

"Observer" hails it as a sophisticated thriller that will resonate with fans of "Lullaby" by Leila Slimani. It is described as a hot holiday read that will brighten the final weeks of winter.

"Sunday Times" praises Queen K as an addictive read, akin to a Netflix binge, while also delving into thought-provoking questions about social status and the pursuit of a dignified life. Sheena Patel of the "Guardian" compares it to the works of Patricia Highsmith, noting the untrustworthy narrator's judgment of her employer's lavish lifestyle and her attempts to infiltrate a glamorous world.

"Evening Standard" declares it a dark and brilliant read, predicting that it will likely find its way onto the small or big screen. Glamour magazine describes it as a captivating tale that will leave readers eagerly anticipating its cinematic adaptation.

On a balmy evening in late March, an oligarch's wife hosts a party on a superyacht moored in the Maldives. The expansive deck is adorned with orchids, champagne bottles, and name cards of celebrities. Uniformed staff stand along a red carpet on the landing dock. This is a long-awaited dream come true for Kata: to be accepted into the glamorous world of high society. However, there are forces at work that seek to hinder her journey.

Observing the corruption and violence beneath the shiny surfaces is Mel, a young English woman employed to tutor Kata's precocious daughter and guide her through the intricacies of English privilege. While Mel may have once aspired to such privilege, her reality is as a hired help to the wealthy, a position that fills her with deep resentment.

Written with exquisite precision and a delightful sense of unreliability, "Queen K" transports the reader into a world of wealth, power, and intrigue. The characters are vividly portrayed, their motivations and actions intricately woven, leaving the reader guessing until the very end.

In conclusion, "Queen K" is a remarkable debut novel that offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of the privileged elite. With its sharp wit, thought-provoking themes, and engaging storytelling, it is sure to captivate readers who appreciate a well-crafted tale of wealth, power, and the human condition. Prepare to be transported to a world of luxury and scandal, where nothing is as it seems, and every decision has consequences.

Weight: 400g
Dimension: 143 x 224 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800814905
Edition number: Main