4* Sad at times, loving in parts, and also quite poignant and emotional.

What makes this a refreshing tale for me is its believability due to its setting being plain old England. There's no faux gloss, no zooming police cars, nothing cliché or deja vu, just a murder and a some sleuthing, some decent but flawed people that felt real, and of course, a bad guy. Or perhaps, plural, though 'bad' may be a bit strong to describe some characters.

It made me smile in parts and made me sad in others. What was lovely was the love that James had for his gran, despite his mum and dad thinking her a burden and a danger because she was sadly becoming senile. It hit home with me, as I suspect it will with people with parents of a certain age.

Margaret had periods of lucidity that helped her and James solve the murder, but sadly, she was in decline and wasn't in denial during these periods. It was sad to see her struggle and mix the past and present and miss her late husband so much, but it was lovely to see ger constant conversations with him and how vividly she still saw him. Her estrangement from her son was sad, and the reveal about her brother was such a betrayal and shock. But, by the sound of it, he didn't profit from his crimes, so well done, author.

The end is poignant and sad. Margaret's been alone for a year now and it's clear that she's ready to see her husband again, and both she and I thought it'd happen soon. I'm glad I read this book, despite it not being my usual choice.

ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Sphere/Little Brown Books for my reading pleasure.