Wickham cleverly puts herself in turn into the shoes of Maggie, Roxanne and Candice, exploring their contrasting lives and outlooks. All three appear incredibly successful in their glamorous careers working for a glossy magazine (perhaps in order to up the typical aspirational stakes of this genre). However, they harbour other facets: the diffidence and depression of the new mother; the hidden grief and yearning of the mistress; and the guilt and idealism of the daughter attempting to right her late father's wrongs. Heather, the fourth woman who plays a pivotal role in the plot, is never given her own voice or viewpoint, but instead is judged and discussed by the others, which does mean her eventual character resolution is somewhat predictable. Yet these elements of predictability in the characterisations and plot detail act as a catalyst for a series of events that are less predictable and are thus both satisfying and moving.

Along the way, Wickham successfully tackles death, birth, guilt and romantic love with a depth of emotion that does credit to her ability to localise these universal themes without trivialising them. Cocktails for Three blends familiar ingredients with a few sharp twists to create an exhilarating mix. Olivia Dickinson

'COCKTAILS FOR THREE' is the story of three best friends who are each keeping major secrets from each other. The sexy and worldly Roxanne has been seeing a married man for the last six years but has yet to reveal his identity to anyone but when her friends find out it is sure to astound them. Candice is the sweet-faced girl that is easily taken advantage of and when a new "friend" sets her sights on Candice she attempts to do just that. Maggie the high powered, no-nonsense editor of the magazine where they all work finds herself overwhelmed when she finds herself relinquishing all of her power to her newborn daughter. At a time when these three need each other more than ever their secrets seem to be breaking them apart. Will these three ever be able to come clean and get their lives as well as their relationships back on track?

Anyone who has read Ms Wickham's books penned under the name Sophie Kinsella will be able to clearly tell that these are two very different sides to the same personality. While Sophie Kinsella's books kept me laughing so hard I'd have to put the book down at times to regroup, Madeleine Wickham's books are more refined and subdued in comparison. I will, however, be purchasing all books by Madeleine Wickham as well as all future books by Sophie Kinsella!


Laugh out loud yet sobering at the same time!!   May 27, 2003
 16 out of 16 found this review helpful

Madeline Wickham has a way with making you fall in love with her characters, feel like you are part of their group, and keeps you laughing at the same time. This book is a great read for someone who wants in depth character development and a great story line in a few words. The story is believable, honest, and laugh out loud funny yet sobering at the same time.
This was my first book by Wickham but I am hooked and cannot wait to read her other books!


A Rare Find - Wonderful   March 3, 2003
 14 out of 15 found this review helpful

I've been searching for a book that really makes me laugh, characters I can relate and enjoy and a story that keeps me interested beyond the first 30 pages. Well, I found it! "Cocktails for Three" by English author Madeleine Wickham had me completely enchanted. I found the three main characters (Maggie - the pregnant one on maternity leave / Roxanne - the dating a married man one / Candice - the trusting and will do anything for a person in need one) all well rounded and hilarious.

"Cocktails" goes beyond your basic "friends forever" novel and dives into real life problems and the effects those decisions have on you and those around you.

I found this book really unique and sparkling with touches of really dark and edgy comedy. A great find! I hope others will discover this secret of mine.


The *dawgrrl* review   February 13, 2003
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Madeleine Wickham proves once again that she is more than just a "chick lit" author. Though her novels are short, they do pack a punch and try to teach a little life lesson besides.

Candice, Maggie and Roxanne are best friends who work at the Londoner, a monthly magazine in - where else? - London, and meet on the first of the month for cocktails at the Manhattan Bar. This particular month finds Maggie ready to give birth, Roxanne still with her married with children boyfriend and Candice having just broken up with her co-worker boyfriend, Justin. Candice recognizes their waitress as a girl she was at school with and says her name, just as she realizes that her recognition was probably best kept to herself as the waitress, Heather Trelawney, had to leave school when her family lost all their money due to Candice's swindling father. It strikes good-hearted Candice that she can try and make amends to Heather by helping her get a job at the magazine. Unfortunately, her good deeds don't stop there and as the saying goes, "No good deed goes unpunished."

Follow these friends through the ups and downs of motherhood, affairs, death and evil machinations and enjoy every page of it.