I have grouped these three books together because they share common themes and similar narrator voices. All three are brilliant – gripping, page-turners, highly recommended for book clubs as they will ignite interesting discussion and conversation…
Greenwich Park by Katherine Faulkner
Everyone has a secret, don’t they? Helen seemingly leads the perfect life. She is happily married to Daniel and they regularly see Helen’s brother Rory and his lovely wife Serena.
Helen is pregnant after years of trying, and she goes to her local antenatal class where she meets Rachel, an eccentric, brash, loud character. She really takes to Helen and, when she’s not chatting to her during class, she seems to appear everywhere Helen goes. Pretty soon, Rachel moves in with Helen. Something is not right about Rachel but Helen can’t quite work out what. There are numerous inconsistencies with the story Rachel tells her about herself. In a tragic and gory twist, all is revealed.
The House Guest by Charlotte Northedge
Kate is searching for her sister. She visits Camden regularly as that is where she last saw her sister, so she hopes to see her again or to find some clue that will reunite them.
In the meantime, Kate meets Della, an impossibly glamorous life coach who seems to have the ideal existence. Kate is absorbed into Della’s world: her houses (including a beautiful holiday home in the South of France), her young children, and even her husband. Kate is transfixed by Della who makes her feel wanted. She’s at a crossroads in her life so Della’s support is crucial. But there is something odd happening at the family home… Will Kate find out what it is before it’s too late?
The Stranding by Kate Sawyer
The story begins at the end: an apocalypse has taken place. But – wait – what?
Flashing back and forth between the new world and her past life, we read about the main character, Ruth. She has gone to New Zealand to escape her dull days in London. Then, something mysterious happens, and the world turns upside down. What is going to happen to her next?
Seeking safety in the mouth of a whale, she meets someone who could change her life forever.
