If you have ever wondered what happens to people who win the lottery, then Wendy Corsi Staub’s latest book is for you. Of course, WINDFALL is about to take a slightly different look at these circumstances because Staub is one of the best mystery/thriller writers in the business.

The action opens with a transcript from the podcast “Disappearing Acts.” The host was an investigative reporter whose current obsession is the infamous case of Hollywood starlet Chantal Charbonneau, who inexplicably disappeared at the height of her career. Was she the victim of foul play, or did she merely wish to get away from the limelight? Those answers may never be found out, but Chantal’s former home is at the heart of a new case involving three friends who become overnight billionaires.

"Wendy Corsi Staub uses many literary tricks to keep WINDFALL spinning without getting wildly out of control. The result is an intriguing and entertaining novel that should be considered one of this summer’s top beach reads."

J.J., Molly and Leila have been the self-proclaimed “September Girls” going back to their days as college roommates. Now, 20 years later, fate is about to give them an unexpected gift when the Lotto numbers they have been playing for the past two decades finally hit in a huge windfall prize. Leila, who physically played the winning ticket, assures her husband that she is putting it in a bank vault for safe keeping. Her next call is to Shea Daniels, who runs a company dealing with “sudden wealth management.” As such, he invites the trio to a secluded mansion on the California coast aptly named Windfall. This is not only where Shea spent her childhood but also where Chantal was last seen.

As the ladies arrive at Windfall, they take time to tour the huge place and surrounding area. There is a very interesting white stone marker on the property with this prophetic inscription: He who has gone, so we but cherish his memory, abides with us, more potent, nay, more present than the living man – Antoine de Saint-Exupery. Making this entire experience much more terrifying is the fact that deadly wildfires have broken out not far from where they are staying, and the call to evacuate may come at any time.

Just before getting together for a special celebratory dinner, J.J. and Molly notice that Leila is missing, but her handbag is still on her bed. Neither Shea nor her sole employee, Beck, claims to have seen Leila leave. When what appears to be Leila’s necklace turns up on the beach below the cliffside, their worst thoughts become reality. Additionally, sightings of a female who is definitely not Leila is reported by J.J. and Molly. The expected rumors of this being the ghost of Chantal continuing to haunt the property is in the forefront of everyone’s minds.

Then J.J. reports that her necklace is also nowhere to be found. The women have all worn matching necklaces with the same inscription heralding the September Girls on the back. What transpires from here is a deep dive into the lives of the four people remaining on the property, all while the dangerous wildfires get ever closer. Interspersed among this action are continued transcripts from the podcast, which will make some startling revelations about the curse of Windfall.

Wendy Corsi Staub uses many literary tricks to keep WINDFALL spinning without getting wildly out of control. The result is an intriguing and entertaining novel that should be considered one of this summer’s top beach reads.