The Philanthropist's Danse [Format Kindle]

I figured that this was going to be a "Cluedo" type murder mystery when I read the synopsis of this story, I couldn't have been more wrong.

Paul has taken 12 beautifully written characters (15 if you count those involved in the story but not the invitees) and placed them into a fantastically woven plot that kept me captivated to the point where i'd be very annoyed when I had to put the book down due to work commitments etc etc.

12 people, family, associates, enemies & employees are invited up to a billionaire's mansion in the middle of nowhere to find out that they have to agree on how to share their late benefactor's inheritance.
It's not until the rules of the danse start coming into effect that things start to turn nasty for the majority of the 12.

This story has it all, murder, mystery, suspense, prostitution, blackmail and a small mixture of romance intrically woven together, masterfully.

You get an in depth knowledge of the characters through a mixture of storytelling and flashbacks and you are in a constant turmoil of emotion as to who is good and who is rotten. Then just when you have them figured out you are thrown back into turmoil and start doubting your judgements.

The story is very fast paced with plenty of little twists to keep you enthralled right up until the very last page.

This is Pauls first book and i'm looking forward to reading his next one.

Once I began reading I was immediately drawn in to the story. Each character is intrinsic to the storyline and this author makes sure you are aware of it by allowing the reader to drop into the character's mind and see his point of view. No one character is the main focus of this story and though it may seem unsettling, this story simply flows. I felt like a fly on the wall. I was completely enthralled by each and every one of these characters and the circumstances that had brought them together.

Only two characters have a definite role to play in the events to come; William Bird, who is the late Johnston Thurwell's lawyer and holds the instructions laid out by his employer and Johnston Thurwell himself who fills the minds of every guest and pervades each room of the mansion.

Every contingency has been allowed for by Thurwell and William Bird, armed with several sealed envelopes given to him by Thurwell, need only to find the appropriate one which contains further instructions. The lawyer doesn't have any idea what is written in these and can only open them if events match the handwritten labels on the envelope.

As you are introduced to each participant of The Danse, you may form a feeling of empathy or of dislike for each but I guarantee each of these opinions will change many times throughout the events of this book. Not only do these people have to decide who gets part of the fortune but what percentage each one gets. The situation is explosive and seemingly impossible when each person has dark secrets or allows greed to control their actions.

I could not put this down. I had no idea what would happen next or how this could end. I will not ruin this story with too many details but if you like a good Agatha Christie mystery you will be very pleased with Paul Wornham's `Debut' novel, The Philanthropist's Danse.

People like stories about wealthy people. My particular affinity for lifestyles the super-rich is not based on the things they own, or the power they possess. I am more interested in the psychology of the rich: The mindset and choices that brought them to, and kept them at the top.

The Philanthropist's Danse delivers smart, psychological drama of the type I haven't seen in quite some time.

Take "12 Angry Men", the psychological gymnastics of "The Game", add a little sexual innuendo, and tie it all together with 12 personalities that clash incessantly. Then, let an impartial lawyer lay out and enforce the ground rules with the assistance of a highly skilled majordomo.
With that, the Danse is off to a smashing start, full of arguments, tantrums, and a fair bit of grousing about who "deserves" the money. The question is a legitimate one, as many in the room don't even know why Mr. Thurwell summoned them posthumously.

The Billionaire

Johnston Thurwell continues to assert his control through carefully planned contingencies that give us some insight as to why he was so wealthy to begin with. All of his commands are executed with swift and exact justice. His wishes are honored exactly.
People may dismiss this scenario as far-fetched. They would be wrong. One of the things I find engaging about this book is its realistic portrayal of the ultra wealthy.
Individuals who possess a great deal of money, respect, and power attempt to keep that once they are dead. The Pharoahs did it? Why should this aspiration be beneath your common, modern-day billionaire?
The author gives us ample detail as to Thurwell's motivations and machinations. Every twist is worth the wait.

The 12

The crew assembled in the mansion is textured and diverse, with a spattering of family, business associates, servants, and those of indefinite categorization.
Familiar jealousies and tenuous alliances form quickly, as money forges and breaks the most fragile of bonds. Fraternal rivalries soon surface, along with marital quibbles and relationship issues.

This turmoil, along with the pressures of time keep the situation quite fluid. Just when you think you have the motives and arc of a character nailed, a deft twist comes along to destroy your theory entirely.
These people all have secrets. Some are sinister, others are pleasant. It will be your pleasure to uncover most of them.

The Help

William Bird is Thurwell's handsomely paid lawyer with an equitable disposition. The fascinating bit is that he's in the dark as to what is taking place. Some of his instructions are activated quickly, other scenarios make you wonder "What if?".
He's part referee and part player, except he has no stake in the game.
Jeremy, the majordomo is well used throughout. He displays noble character, and the utmost in humility and kindness. He restores balance and order in the middle of raging, emotional tempests.

A Perfect Blend

I personally haven't read a better book in this genre. It's an atypical "whodunnit" containing characters with realistic flaws and virtues. All are adequately exposed for scrutiny.
Page-turner is a cliche I happily give to this particular novel, although "button-masher" may soon take its place.
Caveats:
The language in this novel is realistic, and one particularly hot-tempered misogynist in the bunch uses the full vocabulary of profanity when proffering his opinions. It fits the character, and the situation.
My only complaint with regard to this novel is that Mr. Wornham didn't have second novel that I could purchase. Hopefully, he will remedy that situation quickly.

Final Verdict

The Philanthropist's Danse is a brilliant mystery, chock full of smart dialogue and plot twists that will keep you intrigued until the last page.
Because of this, I happily award "The Philanthropist's Danse" five stars. Buy it or borrow it(if you are a Prime Member). If you can't afford that, email me, and I'll happily use the single lend Amazon has given me so I can loan it to you. First come, first served.