A book with a map always appeals. In this case it is Islington area of London, around the Regent’s Canal on which two boats of interest are moored – Miriam’s and Daniels’s. Close by are the houses of Carla and Theo, ex-partners but still semi-attached. Further away are Irene’s house and Laura’s high-rise flat.
Six characters in search of a story, and Paula Hawkins serves up satisfying tale of murder, mischief, mix-ups, and manipulation.
Daniel has a fling with Laura and ends up dead. Miriam discovers the body, pockets some evidence, and calls the police. She has a longstanding grudge against Theo and sees this as an opportunity for mischief – as Daniel is Carla’s (that’s Theo’s ex – keep up) beloved nephew. Daniel’s mother, Carla’s sister, Angela, is recently deceased. There have been years of bad blood between the sisters since the death of Carla’s infant son while in Angela’s care. As for Irene – she is (or was) Angela’s next door neighbour and is now reliant on high-rise Laura for company and assistance. And by the way, Laura has issues and should not be relied on for anything.
Throw in two police
detectives, Chalmers and Barker, bring in some tasty back stories, and sit back
and enjoy the relationships unfold, the murderer being unmasked, and the
righting of a long buried injustice.
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