It was supposed to be “a lovely break.” As their mutual friend Helena is the toast of Broadway, stand-up comedian Cissie O’Brien, who is the nation’s darling with her popular television series, decides to take the beautiful and troubled actress Maggie Salt to New York to see her. But Maggie, a destructive whirlpool of a personality, is cracking up fast and on arrival she suddenly disappears into the freezing February night. As the search for their friend continues, dangerous cracks occur in the lifelong relationships of Cissie, Helena, and her stoic husband Mark. Helena has always been utterly self-centered and now Cissie, haunted by the outing of her relationship with her lover Jenny back home, disappears as well. Now, two friends are lost separately somewhere in snowbound Manhattan.
Dive into the heart of fractured friendships and hidden desires with Julie Walters' compelling novel, "Maggie's Tree." This new edition paperback from Phoenix takes you on a suspenseful journey through the glittering, yet unforgiving, landscape of Broadway and the snow-laden streets of Manhattan. The story centers around three women entangled in a web of history and unspoken truths. Cissie O'Brien, a beloved television comedian, embarks on what she hopes will be a restorative trip to New York City with her friend, the beautiful but volatile actress Maggie Salt. Their destination is the dazzling world of Helena, their mutual friend and a Broadway sensation. However, Maggie, teetering on the edge of a breakdown, vanishes shortly after their arrival, swallowed by the chilling February night. As the frantic search for Maggie intensifies, the bonds that tie Cissie, Helena, and Helena's steadfast husband, Mark, begin to fray. Helena's inherent self-absorption, once a mere irritant, now becomes a glaring fault line. Meanwhile, Cissie grapples with the fallout from the exposure of her relationship with her lover, Jenny, back home a secret that adds another layer of complexity to her already fraught emotional state. Overwhelmed and adrift, Cissie, too, disappears, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and deepening anxieties. "Maggie's Tree" is more than just a missing person mystery; it's a poignant exploration of female friendship, the pressures of fame, and the courage it takes to confront one's own vulnerabilities. Walters masterfully weaves together themes of love, loss, identity, and the devastating consequences of secrets. The novel's evocative prose paints a vivid picture of New York City in the grip of winter, mirroring the emotional chill that permeates the characters' relationships. The authors sensitive portrayal of complex characters makes this story unforgettable. It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys modern fiction, contemporary womens stories, and general fiction exploring the complexities of relationships and self-discovery. "Maggie's Tree" invites you to ponder the fragility of human connection and the enduring power of the past. Pick up your copy today and lose yourself in this gripping tale of friendship, secrets, and survival.