I have to confess that this is not the kind of book I would usually pick up. But upon learning that the story was set in surroundings familiar to me, e.g. West Dorset and East Devon I would give it a try. Besides, the author Sallyann Sheridan is known locally for her encouragment/ teaching the art of story telling/writing. So I knew she had to know something about creating a good story. And upon reading this, her first novel, she has proved just that. The story is unusual as the main character is far from a dashing Shoestring or gorgeous blonde heroine. It is about Mrs J.F. who is just an ordinary person, just like us. She has what is in us all. She is protective of those she loves, she is loving, jealous, revengeful, and has the capacity to hate another who brings pain to her family. But where we might fear to tread in avenging those we love, our character feels she has nothing to lose because she has a terminal illness. She feels she has the wherewithal and the reason to carry out the perfect crime and feels justified in putting her plan into action.
I was hooked by this story and found it hard to put down, even at 3am. I recommend this book to those wanting a cracking good read. I await Sallyann's next novel. This is clever stuff, beautifully written.
