What a great read! Beautifully written and an interesting concept. I had no idea what to expect but was immediately gripped when the protagonist died within the first few pages of the novel. The story flits back and forth but, although that can be confusing in some books, it wasn't an issue here and helped to keep the suspense.

Although there wasn't an 'obvious conclusion' to the book it didn't end awkwardly and I was sufficiently at ease with the characters to allow them to just go about their way... or perhaps there'll be a sequel?? I'd read it!

This book is all about relationships, starting with Frank and the repercussions of his dysfunctional life on the lives of his children, wife and mistress. However, I was unable to identify or sympathise much with the characters, even Lauren and Walter. The author tends to take one situation, explore it and then leave it to go and look at another. The transitions are not well handled, and the result is a little disjointed. The situations being described are, at times, horrific, but they seem almost to be glossed over with the emphasis solely on their effect on Frank or Kathleen.

Kathleen is an incredibly self-centred woman, only outdone by her indulged and unpleasant son Sonny. Her husband Walter is quite a weak character and I kept hoping he'd show some spine and stand up to her. Lauren is just an odd character, although possibly the most likeable. Jem just didn't become a real person for me, but what I saw I didn't warm to. However, the characters were having to come to terms with some serious changes in their lives, and the book explored their feelings and the impact of finding past deeds catching up with them.

I don't have to like characters to enjoy a book, and certainly this one kept my attention, but I would have liked to empathise just a little with someone. The plot was pacy and overall I enjoyed reading it, but felt a little cheated with the lack of characterisation.

Thank you to NetGalley and John Murray Press for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Some of the most disagreeable people I’ve come across in a book populate this dysfunctional family drama, but the writing is wry and spare with some quite lovely flourishes, particularly involving Mike the dog, so overall I enjoyed reading it. I still wish Kathleen and Sonny has been run over slowly by a Mack truck though. I dislike redemption when it’s unearned!

"Frank dropped down dead on Christmas Eve at four minutes past midday". This is the opening sentence of the book which draws you in immediately. The ripples from this sudden death alters so many lives. You see the implications of this death from many people's perspective. Some you like, some not so much so. It's a good read, with situations that are completely believable. No spoilers here, you will have to read the book to find out the conclusion.

Olivia Glazebrook hooks the reader most effectively with her opening sentence; ‘Frank dropped dead on Christmas Eve…’ Who is the unfortunate Frank and what will happen because of his untimely end? This modern-day comedy of manners has much to entertain the reader. Set in North London and Provence, spanning over twenty years, there are liaisons aplenty, several fall outs, and disappointments because of selfish, thoughtless and sometimes downright vicious behaviour. The reader is introduced to Jem, Frank’s estranged daughter, the Griffin family and their close neighbours, as well as Jem’s retired nanny and her deceased mother. All have some sort of a link with the vile Frank.
Whilst there are plenty of amusing moments in the novel, often at the expense of the self-absorbed actress Kathleen Griffin, there is so much plot that the author rarely takes time to explore why the central characters behave as they do. This would have made for a much more satisfying read ultimately, albeit at the expense of the light tone. Serious themes do emerge: domestic violence and coping with degenerative illness to name two but then we’re on to the next plot development.
I enjoyed this novel – it put me in mind of Mary Wesley and Barbara Trapido. Olivia Glazebrook can certainly tell a story. However, a little more psychological exploration would have turned this tale into something even more memorable.
My thanks to NetGalley and John Murray (Publishers) for a copy of this novel in exchange for a fair review.

An intriguing story about an girl who discovered that her estranged father had another child... after he died unexpectedly! Opening several cans of worms, Jem meets her half brother Sonny - and this book explores the back story and the implications of each sibling coming to terms with their new found situation.

Set in London and France, this book paints vivid scenes and portrays a very human response from most of its characters. I really enjoyed Jem’s back story and felt both her warmth and angst and strong relationship with Marian her nanny.

Sonny on the other hand has led a more charmed life and the fallout in his family is as expected. Initially His mother is as spoiled as you’d expect, but as the book progresses you have more understanding of her plight. And as for Frank, the least said the better - no spoilers.

3.75-4* An interesting book that rattled along - from an author who’s new to me. Could it have had more depth and emotion - probably, but it was an engaging read nonetheless.

Nice easy read that had a very believable story and characters. I really enjoyed this book, I read it in one evening and found it a good read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in return for an honest and unbiased opinion.

this book was a book of discovery, loss betrayal this is a journey where frank dies suddenly and his estranged daughter formally identified the body as the book goes along we learn more about frank from the viewpoint of several people and how the aftermath of franks death effects so many people and the type of person frank really was. liked the part of the book where it looked at fragile family set ups and how the past can catch up with people and still have influences of the future. the character of frank seemed to be a bully and a drunk coward

If you want an absorbing, believable story that has sympathetic, well-rounded characters (even if they are not likeable); settings with atmosphere; quite a few unguessable surprises and a satisfactory conclusion, then READ THIS. I loved it. I am giving no details of the plot because I came to this with no expectations, and would advise others to do the same.