The Lie of the Land

Thoroughly enjoyed this even though it's not the sort of thing I'd usually go for. It is tremendously well-written and gives an excellent sense of place; the characters too are well-drawn and likeable. It's the story of a divorcing couple who move to the country from London with their children out of financial necessity. The people they encounter and the way they are forced to live, shape the story. There is also a compelling mystery at the heart of the story which keeps you turning those pages. You also really want to know what happens to the characters and how their lives pan out. What stopped me giving the five stars was only that the cast of characters is quite large and it can be difficult keeping track of who is who. Also, there are no great surprises, some of what happens seems obvious, but then again, it is quite a satisfying experience being able to guess what is coming. It is none the less compelling for that though. Highly recommended.