ABANDONED. Late 1990s Mystery set in NYC. Protagonist is a troubled Black woman, a former fashion model now struggling with anxiety and agoraphobia.

[Celia]

I read this book in the early 2000s. I cannot remember who dies, but it is a mystery! The protagonist's best friend is a gay Black male who refers to himself as "Uncle Rufe." The woman meets an equally troubled, highly eccentric, mysterious white businessman who moves into a SoHo hotel. They become lovers

The author is a Black woman; I believe her first name begins with a "C" --- maybe Charlotte.

[Celia]

The protagonist is having some kind of crisis and for a while won't leave her apartment. She stays in remembering her days as a model...she's still statuesque, but no longer at runway weight. Her friend (Rufus?) tries to get her to come out.....

I can't remember how/why she does leave the apartment and meets the white guy who becomes her lover. But her friend Rufus doesn't trust him because his behavior is odd. Indeed, he is also running from his own demons

[Kris]

Celia, please post a new comment if you're still looking for this book - or if you found it.

Celia (OP) was last active on the site in July 2020. Moving to Abandoned folder.