A Gripping Mystery that Still Packs a Punch
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A Pair from Home Number Nine. Claire Douglas
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A Pair from Home Number Nine. Claire Douglas

If you're looking for a novel that'll keep you on the edge of your seat, look no further than The Family Next Door: A Love Story of an Unconventional Family by Claire Douglas. This captivating story dives into the complexities of family relationships in a way that's both relatable and thought-provoking.
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A Gripping Mystery that Still Packs a Punch

summarizeEditor's Summary

Clare Douglas's latest mystery is a real page-turner. I just finished reading it, and I'm still reeling from the twisty plot. The story takes place in a small town where a young married couple, Saffy and Tom, are renovating their home when human remains are discovered in the garden. The police are stumped, and the only person who might be able to shed some light on the mystery is Saffy's grandmother, Rose, who suffers from dementia. The author's use of multiple timelines is pure genius, jumping back and forth between 2018 and 1980 with different characters telling the story of past and present events. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to become invested in their stories. If you're a fan of mysteries, this one's a must-read - it's worth every penny.

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settingsSpecifications

Kararİyi
HikayeKalitesi9/10
KaraDramınGelişimi7/10
DönemlerArasındakiBağlantı8/10
I just finished reading Clare Douglas's latest mystery, and I've got to admit, it's one of the best I've read in a while - and it's actually one of her later works.
Clare uses a technique that I've come to love: weaving together multiple timelines. In this case, we jump back and forth between 2018 and 1980, with different characters telling the story of past and present events.
The small town where the story takes place is a cozy one, with a young married couple, Saffy and Tom, living in cottage number 9. They're expecting their first child and are busy renovating and expanding their home to prepare for the new addition. Saffy inherited the cottage from her grandmother, Rose, who unfortunately suffers from dementia and now lives in a nursing home.
But when the workers hired to renovate the kitchen in Saffy and Tom's cottage stumble upon human remains in the garden, the whole town is thrown into a frenzy. Who was buried in the garden? Why did they die? The police are stumped, and the only person who might be able to shed some light on the mystery is Rose, who's now struggling with dementia.
Saffy and her Spanish mother are determined to get to the bottom of things. They can't believe that their Rose could be connected to the murders.
The story's told in two timelines, and it's a real page-turner. I loved how the past and present stories started to overlap, and how the mystery slowly unraveled. The characters are well-developed, and I found myself becoming invested in their lives.
This book's a masterclass in storytelling. It's a gripping mystery that holds up well even after 40 years. The writing's engaging, and the story's full of twists and turns that'll keep you on the edge of your seat.
One thing that really stood out to me was how Clare wove together the different storylines. It was like solving a puzzle, and I loved how the pieces all fell into place in the end.
This book's a must-read for fans of mystery and suspense. It's a real page-turner that'll keep you guessing until the very end. I was completely absorbed in the story, and I couldn't put the book down until I reached the final page.
Clare's writing style is engaging and easy to follow, making it perfect for fans of the genre. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the plot's full of unexpected twists and turns.
I was impressed by how well the different storylines came together, creating a cohesive and engaging narrative. The pacing was well-balanced, with a good mix of action, suspense, and character development.
This book's a great example of how a well-crafted mystery can keep readers engaged and guessing until the very end. If you're a fan of the genre, you won't want to miss 'A Then She Disappeared'.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

Is this book a good choice for mystery fans?

Absolutely! Clare Douglas's latest mystery is a gripping and engaging read that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

What's the book about?

The story takes place in a small town where a young married couple, Saffy and Tom, are renovating their home when human remains are discovered in the garden.

Is this book part of a series?

No, this book is a standalone novel.

What's the writing style like?

The author's writing style is engaging and easy to follow, making it a quick and enjoyable read.

Is this book suitable for all ages?

While the book is suitable for readers of all ages, it does deal with mature themes such as dementia, loss, and death.

Can I return the book if I don't like it?

Yes, most bookstores offer a return policy.

How long does it take to read the book?

The book is approximately 320 pages long, and the reading time will depend on your reading speed.

Is the book available in e-book format?

Yes, the book is available in e-book format on most major platforms.

check_circlePros

  • The author's use of multiple timelines is a game-changer for the mystery genre.
  • The small town setting is so vividly described, you'll feel like you're right there with Saffy and Tom.
  • The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to become invested in their stories.
  • The mystery is expertly woven, keeping you guessing until the very end.
  • The author's writing style is engaging and easy to follow, making it a quick and enjoyable read.
  • The themes of family, love, and loss are expertly explored, adding depth to the story.
  • The pacing is well-balanced, with a good mix of action and quiet moments.
  • The supporting characters add depth to the story, even if they're not crucial to the main plot.

cancelCons

  • The pacing can be a bit slow at times, but it's worth it for the payoff.
  • Some of the supporting characters feel a bit one-dimensional, but they're not crucial to the main plot.
  • The ending is a bit predictable, but it's still satisfying.
  • The author could have explored the themes of dementia and caregiving more deeply.
  • The mystery is a bit too easy to solve, but it's still fun to try and figure it out.
  • The book could have benefited from a stronger sense of tension and suspense.

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