A Tidy Ending

I enjoyed this book and was an easy read .. Linda lived an ordinary life with a husband who took little notice of her & a mother who also didn't take much interest in her . Linda just wanted a friend and to be like the people in the magazines that were delivered to her house but addressed to the previous occupant Rebecca Finch. She eventually befriended her and as a result her life took a different turn. The four murders added to the story, but I guessed who the murderer was . The ending was an unexpected twist in the tale. Linda's life and the things she thought & said were sad, dark, funny and spooky at different times throughout the story.

I enjoyed this book and found it intriguing and thought provoking. Being told from Linda’s point of view was a good way for the story to unfold, and when I’d finished the book I wanted to read it again as I felt I’d get more out of it the second time.

There were some amusing images described along the way, but overall the theme of someone scarred by past events, unhappy with her lot and envious of others was a serious subject. The background of the murders along with red herrings and plot twists made this a good read.

Linda is the linchpin of this novel. Events are revealed gradually and through her eyes. She is socially awkward and we cringe at times at the gaffes she makes, but we are on her side because she is unhappy, having suffered a troubled childhood and she is now trapped in a humdrum life with a mother who has a lot to say and a husband who irritates her and has eaten one of her nine Jaffa Cakes! Linda is a memorable character and in Cannon's writing there are thoughtful observations and flashes of dark humour.
In Linda's quest for a more exciting life she becomes fixated on Rebecca Finch, the previous occupant of her house and this leads to developments in the plot that we may not have anticipated. The setting of the novel is an ordinary neighbourhood, but things are about change. First there are anonymous letters and then a body is found and then another and the murders become the talk of the town, with everyone speculating and having opinions about who the killer might be including the reader.
My first book by this author and I would certainly read another.

I was looking forward to reading this book as I really enjoyed the author’s previous novels. I loved the interactions of the characters in this story, told from Linda’s perspective. Her husband Terry seems both to irritate and try to control her in equal measures. Having moved house a few weeks ago, he still hasn’t sorted out his clutter in the back bedroom. Linda has her work cut out, cleaning and tidying. It’s a good thing she always wears her Marigolds.

Linda’s relationship with her Mother is a fascinating one. Mother also irritates and interferes. The events that caused them to move away from Wales are still bubbling away under the surface. And now there’s a spate of murders locally. Linda’s neighbourhood and the people that live in it are brought to life expertly and with some brilliant dialogue.

The search for the previous occupant of Linda’s house starts to dominate her life, but will it be her downfall?

This story unfolds fairly slowly but the journey is a worthwhile glimpse into the mind of a woman who is both haunted and motivated by past events.

Having read the author's previous books I had high hopes of this book and wasn't disappointed. I found the central character of Linda rather creepy, but despite this I found myself feeling quite sympathetic towards her in a lot ways as life had not been kind. Her comments on life were actually quite profound in a many of instances. The scenes when the community came together to watch the police activities were just like News at 10, but with a local commentary.
The character of Linda's mother was a nightmare and I loved her! I also really enjoyed the sense of menace as the various aspects of the narrative was being played out in the 2 timelines, without being sure where the story was was going. I admit to having worked out who did what with regard to the murders, but was surprised by the final scene in the mental health unit. Jolyon's actions were a bit of a surprise and not exactly believable, as it would be expected that the police would be more thorough in their investigation.
Possibly a little too long, but a thoroughly enjoyable read.

An intriguing book in which we gradually get to know Linda and details of her ordinary and rather humdrum life. We learn of her views on her mother and her husband, various acquaintances and her yearning for a friend. She becomes obsessed with finding the previous occupant of her house after she opens some of her mail. In the background is a series of murders in the area which unnerves the local community. Interspersed with this narrative are chapters telling of Linda’s present situation. The author cleverly gives us clues but leaves us with a very unexpected denouement. An enjoyable read.

I like very much how Joanna Cannon has created a small community and a narrative through the inner voice and fantasising of the main character Linda. Going about within the confines of her narrow life, Linda’s views on her husband and mother in the present are interleaved with brief past events hinting at harmful actions and chapters depicting experiences in parallel or future life. If this sounds confusing, it is Cannon’s intent as she cleverly leads the unsuspecting reader down a clue-laden path to the twist at book’s end. The book may be about serial murders and mysteries but offers much more about human beings and their frailties. Skilfully delving into Linda’s inner consciousness, her lack of self-esteem and aspirational desires are just some of the consequences of bullying and opprobrium in childhood - Cannon reminds us about the responsibility of being kind to others. Well done!

A delicious read - the reader slowly unravels Linda and her unique and fantastical perspective of the world that she lives in. An addictive read as you slowly piece together clues about the local murders.

I LOVED this book. Linda's life is very humdrum but when she gets a brochure addressed to the previous occupant, her life starts to change. In the background, a series of stranglings, give an air of nervousness. Highly recommended.