An Exposed Hand by Kiki Astor
A steamy romance novel by Kiki Astor, full of Mahjong and mystery, set in beautiful Charleston, SC.
Coming in late October, this richly atmospheric Charleston novel is a funny, steamy, and deeply satisfying story about starting over when the life you planned suddenly disappears.
Caroline has moved to Charleston to be closer to her daughter, Ella, only to have Ella relocate to Paris. As for Caroline’s trust-fund husband of almost thirty years, he’s gone off to “find himself.” Alone in a city she barely knows, Caroline is drawn into an exclusive mahjong circle, the glittering world of old Charleston families, and the suspicious poisoning of a wealthy woman’s husband.
Then she meets Edward Vanderhorst—an elegant antiques dealer whose charm, intelligence, and unmistakable desire force Caroline to confront a possibility she never expected at this stage of her life: that she is not invisible, that she can still be wanted, and that passion may be waiting for her around the corner.
Filled with rain-washed streets, jasmine-scented gardens, grand houses, antique treasures, seafood towers, family secrets, and a wonderfully diverse cast of characters, this is a love letter to Charleston and a celebration of women who refuse to disappear. Funny, sexy, suspenseful, and emotionally rich, the novel combines light romantic suspense, Southern mystery, book-club appeal, and Charleston atmosphere in one irresistible read.
Be the first to know when you can preoprder your copy, and watch for Kiki’s late-October launch events, tour appearances, and special opportunities to pair the novel with limited-edition mahjong merchandise—perfect for readers, book clubs, and mahjong circles ready to celebrate Caroline’s second act.
-“A delicious dive into the world of scent and legacy.”
-MB
-“What a read! What an intoxicating ride! (…) Midnight Blue has enticed me to explore the notes of the perfumes I wear.”
-ShellSeaker
-“It has a base note of the Da Vinci Code (there’s a ‘get me to a library!’ moment) reimagined with Mr. Darcy and Amelie and Cleopatra (!!!!) which unfolds with my favorite episode from ‘Are you Afraid of the Dark?’ with a strong note of Adaptation.”
-Janel
-“With this one I fell headfirst into a world of scented mystery(…) Kiki Astor has woven an enchated story set in an exotic environment, one that will draw you in immediately and have you entranced for hours on end.”
-Jennifer S
-“Five stars is not enough. This book had me at Chapter one, and I was still wanting even more at the conclusion. Well written, intellectually emotional, and hits every one of the senses.”
-BH