Part 2: Review

BOOK REVIEWS BY LOUISE PURSER

 

THE MYSTERY OF MERCY CLOSE

Marian Keyes (£18.99, Michael Joseph)

Private investigator Helen Walsh is having a rough time - with work, her home and the past - and doesn’t know how she’s going to make ends meet. The reappearance of her ex, Jay, complicates life further as does the case of the missing boyband member. Marian Keyes’ latest novel is warm, funny and typically brilliant.

 

THE LAST TELEGRAM

Liz Trenow (£6.99, HarperCollins)

Lily Verner stays at home to work in the family mill as war breaks out across Europe. The work they do has to be accurate as they weave parachute silk for soldiers. When German Jewish refugees arrive at the mill, Lily falls for Stefan, triggering prejudiced reactions. Based on Liz Trenow’s family history this is an incredible and emotional story about the strength of love.

 

EYE CONTACT

Fergus McNeill (£19.99, Hodder & Stoughton)

Robert Naysmith comes across as a regular guy, a smartly dressed businessman keeping himself to himself. But he has a very dark secret - he’s a murderer. And what makes things particularly difficult for Detective Inspector Harland, who is covering the case, is that he has no motive at all - a victim only has to make eye contact! This is a very impressive debut novel full of suspense.

 

BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS

Alison Maloney (£9.99, Virgin Books)

After the first World War, people began to let their hair down and parties, fashion and having a good time became the priority of the young and rich. The 1920s have a reputation for being fun and Alison Maloney’s book explores the decade in detail. The first-hand accounts in this book of the roaring 1920s are a reminder of what it was all about. Star Magazine, 2012.