The Rome affair - Karen Swan

From the bestselling author of The Last Summer, Karen Swan, the glamorous capital city of Italy is brought to startling life in The Rome Affair, a compelling story of love, life and long-held secrets.

1974. Elena Damiani lives a gilded life. Born to wealth and a noted beauty, no door is closed to her, no man can resist her. At twenty-six, she is already onto her third husband when she meets her love match. But he is the one man she can never have - and all the beauty and money in the world can't change it.

2017. Francesca Hackett is living la dolce vita in Rome, leading tourist groups around the Eternal City and forgetting the ghosts she left behind in London.

When chance brings her into the orbit of her neighbour across the piazza - famed socialite Viscontessa Elena dei Damiani Pignatelli della Mirandola - the two women are intrigued by one another - and agree to collaborate on Elena's memoirs. As summer unfurls, Elena tells her sensational stories, leaving Cesca in her thrall.

But when a priceless diamond ring, found in an ancient tunnel below the city streets, is ascribed to Elena, Cesca begins to suspect a shocking secret at the heart of Elena's life . . .

'Glittering jewels, designer labels galore and the most mouth-watering pizza in Rome make this a satisfying summer beach read' - Veronica Henry, Daily Express

Enjoy more of Karen Swan's captivating seasonal novels with The Greek Escape and The Paris Secret.