My February has been infinitely brightened by these brilliant books…

The Long, Long Afternoon

America, 1959. Joyce Haney has disappeared, leaving her husband Frank and their two young children. She seemed to be living the perfect life in the fictional town on Sunnylakes in California.

It is a planned escape and we know this from the outset. But that is no real comfort to us when Ruby, the hired home help, walks into the Haney household and finds blood on the kitchen floor. What happened?

Enter Mick Blanke, the detective hailing from New York with secrets of his own. He soon forms a bond with Ruby and, unlike many of the characters in the novel, he doesn’t judge her for being black. She helps him and offers her unique perspective from someone who knows the family. She has hopes and dreams beyond being a maid and Blanke relies on her sharp observations to piece the mystery together.

No spoilers here but it’s safe to say: I think you will enjoy uncovering each character’s secrets.

The Long, Long Afternoon by Inga Vesper was published by Manilla Press on 4th February. 

Lullaby Beach

Similar themes, different continents. Lullaby Beach tells the story of Kitty, a fun-loving, 81-year-old nurse who has tragically decided to end her own life. She has left her family a note containing clues about her days spent in London in the 1950s.

She had a hard life, filled with unhappy relationships, and the fear of history repeating itself is present in the story.

It’s quite a short book but told with a bold voice. Families are far from straightforward and it’s a moving moment when Kitty’s family begins to realise just how complicated theirs is.

Lullaby Beach by Stella Duffy was published by Virago on 4th February.