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THE WONDER OF FRIENDS

July 8, 2007 12:35 am

PATRICIA VOLK has written an engaging tale about female friendship.

Set in New York City, the story is pulled along by a mystery and by the two colorful main characters.

There's Alice, a meticulous type who owns a swank resale shop in Manhattan.

Then there's Nanny, a real-estate broker who is more of a free spirit.

Their mutual friend, Roberta, has just died of cancer.

Alice and Nanny are pulled together when their deceased friend leaves them with the key to her safe deposit box. The contents of the box lead the pair on a search.

The book's strength lies in Volk's right-on observations of relationships between parents and children, husbands and wives, and friends.

There's a bit of an "Odd Couple" feel to the Alice and Nanny pairing, but Volk wisely avoids veering into caricature.

The writing is lively and often funny. The book is a quick read, but not an empty one--a nice summer escape.