Carter Ratcliff’s
Tequila Mockingbird
is a sexy, urbane, hilarious tale crossed with a fast-paced, camp, social comedy, with a touch of thriller, told in the unforgettable voice of fashion model Fiona Mays.  Irresistible, loving, smart, and funny, Fiona is prey to “racing thoughts” that have a way of turning her flaws into virtues and virtues into flaws.  It is from these reversals her story flows, as Fiona discovers that her supermodel best friend Brenda Rawlings is receiving death threats from Sergei Propokoff, the Russian oligarch she’s been dating. The beautiful princess Brenda must be saved from Sergei the ogre and—the crucial point—this rescue is up to Fiona and Fiona alone. As Fiona tries to focus on her mission,
takes us on a tour of New York hot spots, from scenes set in the worlds of high fashion and high art to the nightlife of lower Manhattan and a Brighton Beach mob hangout, with continuous returns to the Upper East Side home of Brenda’s “stunning presence,” of which Fiona relates: “…the moment I see her I start to get in sync.  Not that she tries to be overwhelming or anything.  It’s just that she’s way better looking than just about anyone else who was ever born.  And so sweet.  Kind of weirdly flawless, meaning she has this aura that draws you in.  Whatever is happening, it’s all about her, and that feels OK.” But this first novel by a distinguished art critic and contemporary poet is, first and last, Fiona’s unique and engaging voice as she reminisces, explains, complains, cajoles, seduces, and, most of all, jokes around—and deep into her personality we follow.  And as it tells us who she is, her words conjure up spectacular images of the glamorous and often treacherous world where she lives and precariously flourishes. Secretly the book ends up a love story between the reader and the amazing Fiona!