Elizabeth was counting on Marco to keep cousin Mary occupied until after the board meeting was over. A piece of cheese might catch a mouse, but an afternoon alone with a muscular masseur would ensnare her cousin far more effectively. And afterwards, while Mary lay sated and sleeping upon a massage table, wiser heads could determine the company's future. There were times, Elizabeth thought, when success in business demanded utter ruthlessness.

[citation needed]


Recurring Plotlines and Common Themes
Some of Bradford's novels follow a common pattern. After a few months as a typist Barbara Taylor Bradford was moved to the news room where Barbara Taylor Bradford became a junior reporter. A Woman Of Substance has been followed by 27 others – all best-sellers on both sides of the Atlantic.

Her 27th Letter From A Stranger was released in the UK in September 2011 and in North America in April 2012. It ranks as one of the top-ten bestselling novels of all-time.