A gem of a novel from Freya Sampson
This book snuck up on me. And I loved it!
I went into this expecting a fun, British, cozy mystery. And I got that, complete with an adorable dog. But, I also got a character-driven, poignant, humorous book with themes of forgiveness, healing, and found family.
This story is full of interesting, well-developed characters. I enjoyed seeing beautiful generational friendships form among the quirky tenants trying to save the historic home where they live from being torn down by developers. The world-building is also excellent, and the setting, Shelley House, is vividly depicted in all its crumbling former glory.
This is told in dual POV of young, untrusting, jaded Kat and cantankerous, nosy, septuagenarian Dorothy. Despite their differences, their relationship takes on unexpected facets once they team up, even though it is not smooth sailing. Sampson's characters are flawed, have compelling backstories, and experience significant growth. They had me wholeheartedly rooting for them.
The secondary characters are also beautifully depicted, and the sense of community forged against the backdrop of a mystery investigation is heartwarming. I was sorry to leave these characters once I turned the final page. Well-written and touching, I was engaged from start to finish. This gem was my first read by Sampson, but it will not be my last.
Fans of Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers will enjoy this story as both have characters who initially misjudge one another but form deep relationships and unforgettable senior sleuths.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing for the free book!
My steep was Darjeeling Margaret's Hope from The Cultured Cup
PUBLISHER'S SYNOPSIS:
Two neighbors-at-war band together to stop a dangerous criminal in their midst in this enthralling new novel from the USA Today bestselling author of The Lost Ticket.
Twenty-five-year-old Kat Bennett has never felt at home anywhere, and especially not in crumbling Shelley House. According to her neighbors, she’s prickly and unapproachable, but beneath her tough exterior, Kat is plagued by guilt from her past.
Seventy-seven-year-old Dorothy Darling is Shelley House’s longest resident, and if you believe the other tenants, she’s as cantankerous and vindictive as they come. Except there’s a good reason Dorothy spends her days spying on her neighbors—a closely guarded secret that no else knows and the reason Dorothy barely leaves her beloved home.
When their building faces demolition, sworn enemies Kat and Dorothy become unlikely allies in their quest to save their historic home. But when someone starts to play dirty and viciously targets one of the residents, Dorothy and Kat suspect foul play in their community. After the police close the investigation, it's up to this improbable pair to bring a criminal to justice.
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