Reviewer: Robyn Roberts
Title: The Immaculate Complexion
Author: Edie Bloom
Publisher: Dorchester
ISBN: 0-8439-5856-1
Release Date: May 2007
Genre/Sub-genre: Contemporary Mystery Romance
Year/Setting: Present Day - New York City
Overall Rating: 3.0
Sexual Content Rating: Subtle/Sensual
Language (Profanity/Slang) Rating: Moderate
Violent Content Rating: Minimal
Edie's Website: www.ediebloom.com
This is the first book of the writing team of Michelle Meyers and Robin Strober. They use the nom de plume "Edie Bloom". They have created an interesting look at the world of cosmetics and the search for complexion perfection.
Marnie Mann is hired as a temporary at the LeVigne Cosmetics Corporation. With her love for vintage clothes and her best friend the organic loving, vegan eating Wiccan, she’s not the most beauty conscious girl in New York City. As the pressure is applied from all sides to give Botox a whirl and to take care of her age spots—which are really freckles—she starts to succumb to the seductive pull of the industry.
In the meantime, she’s looking for a man who would be interested in a commitment and ready to move towards settling down. How’s a girl to find that guy when everyone you work with is a viper out to sting your man—and they all have perfect faces? When Marnie does take her new boyfriend to meet the people from work, they end up making her the butt of their jokes with a bad costume and making her sling drinks for the evening. To top it off, she’s becomes involved in a product launch that lands someone in the hospital and eventually, a suspicious death at the office points towards her as murderer.
Marnie is a cute girl who reminds me of a good, old-fashioned, hometown girl. She’s stuck into this dog-eat-dog, harsh environment of cosmetics. Her co-workers are more concerned with their Manolo Blahnik shoes, their Botox and their manicures than they are with reality, friendships and deeper personal relationships.
I found this to be a realistic look at the way America obsesses about beauty and youth. I think those of you who enjoy fashion will find this book to be hysterical. This book is also great for women who love to hate those who are so into "creating" perfection. I know the authors were going for witty banter with a little bite, however, I found it to be sniping commentary that bordered on rudeness. I failed to see much of the humor in tearing down others. While I loved Marnie and her friends, I took an instant dislike to the others at the LeVigne Corporation. I know I’m extra sensitive about bullies of any age, so it was hard for me to overlook their antics that rivaled the bullying done in middle school.
Edie Bloom creates a great insider look at the world of fashion and cosmetics. I think they have a start on a great team-writing career.
Robyn
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