About the Author

Claire McMillan is the author of Alchemy of a Blackbird, Gilded Age, and The Necklace. She was the 2017–2018 Cuyahoga County Writer-in-Residence and currently serves as a member of the board of trustees of The Mount, Edith Wharton’s home in Lenox, Massachusetts. She practiced law until 2003 and then received her MFA in creative writing from Bennington College. She grew up in Pasadena, California, and now lives on her husband’s family farm outside of Cleveland, Ohio, with their two children.

Reviews

“Claire McMillan's The Necklace has everything I love in story: a rich family drama, an enthralling mystery, exotic settings and gorgeous historical detail. McMillan writes in assured and often witty prose, and her characters came to life on the very first page. An enchanting, intoxicating book."
*Cristina Alger, author of The Darlings and This Was Not the Plan*

“At the center of this passionate novel of inheritance and betrayal lies the titular necklace—with mysterious origins, a tragic past, and an uncertain future. Deftly spanning the globe and a century, McMillan's sharp writing explores whether it is possible to undo our wrongs across generations—or if we are doomed to repeat ourselves.”
*Miranda Beverly-Whittemore, New York Times bestselling author of Bittersweet and June*

"The Necklace is a delicious, delicious adventure."  

 
*Ramona Ausubel, author of Sons and Daughters of Ease and Plenty and No One is Here Except All of Us*

"With an expansive cast of vivid characters, McMillan weaves a complex and compelling narrative that balances intensity and levity.  Written with wit, compassion, and a meticulous attention to period and cultural detail."
*Kirkus Reviews*

"Glittering, Gatsby-esque...an emotionally resonant, captivating tale of love, loss, and family secrets that culminates in a satisfying finale."
*Publishers Weekly*

"Charming...the historical narrative shines...and the modern setting crackles with wit, as Nell outmaneuvers her kin with ease and maybe finds true love herself. Kate Morton fans will enjoy."
*Library Journal*

"Some will make immediate comparisons to The Great Gatsby and The Nest, while others will call this a “beach read” or “pure escapism.” McMillan’s fast-paced, cross-generational mystery/saga is highly compelling....McMillan did her research well, and her finely tuned portraits of the era and the characters captivate as she builds her tale to a satisfying conclusion."
*RT Book Reviews*

"Imagine what it would be like for Tom and Daisy Buchanan's grandchildren to deal with the messes their grandparents made 80 years ago....Absorbing."
*BookPage*

"Claire McMillan's brilliantly evoked novel has the glamour of The Great Gatsby, the intrigue of Bleak House and the stolen passion of The Age of Innocence.  This elegant, clever, irresistibly sexy book is destined to become a classic. The Necklace sparkles brighter than a Cartier showroom."
*Koren Zailckas*