This is the first book I’ve read with my reading group. I liked it a lot. It is very spooky and feels very close to home which I find to be a good combination. It’s written by someone very close to my age who grew up in the Midlands so I understood all her cultural references. Not only that but the shopping centre featured is based on the Merry Hill centre. I couldn’t find much to criticize in this at all. It’s a multi-faceted book, with both hilarious and poignant moments. It has a cracking mystery running through it and contains a thoughtful depiction of modern life.

(22nd in 2012)