The Mystery of Mercy Close
From the author of the 2023 Sunday Times bestseller Again, Rachel
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4.3 • 269 Ratings
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- £5.99
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- £5.99
Publisher Description
*** CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BRITISH BOOK AWARDS AUTHOR OF THE YEAR 2022***
Discover the seriously funny, stunningly written novel about one woman's attempts to put her past behind her, from the No. 1 bestselling author of Grown Ups
'A brilliant, unusual, brave book . Confirms Keyes's place as one of our finest writers' Jojo Moyes
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Meet Helen Walsh.
Wasp-tongued private investigator Helen doesn't believe in love, fear or hot drinks.
But when a missing persons case takes her into the dark, glamorous world of her dodgy ex, Jay Parker, she is drawn away from Artie Devlin, her distinctly unglamorous detective boyfriend.
This isn't good news for Helen.
For Jay's fame-hungry world is one of smoke and mirrors, and Helen is no longer sure what she's doing, or quite why she's doing it...
To save herself from the brink, she'll have to start believing in something - and fast.
But will it be fear? Or love?
Love the Walsh sisters? Don't miss out on the eagerly awaited sequel to Rachel's Holiday: AGAIN, RACHEL . . .
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'Zips along with engaging characters, fabulous plotting and spot-on dialogue. Marian Keyes: what a genius' Daily Mail
'Gut-bustingly funny' Independent on Sunday
FAMOUS FANS AND WHY THEY LOVE MARIAN KEYES
'Marian's writing is the truth. With big laughs' Dawn French
'A giant of Irish writing' Naoise Dolan
'Will make you laugh and make you cry, but will also reveal the truth of who you really are' Louise O'Neill
'Keyes weaves the joy and pain of life in a unique and magical way' Cathy Rentzenbrink
'One of the most honest writers writing today' Pandora Sykes
'Compassionate, tender, incisive writing' Lucy Foley
'Her talent for tackling serious issues with such humanity and wit is balm for the soul' Nigella Lawson
'Marian Keyes is a brilliant writer. No one is better at making terrifically funny jokes while telling such important, perceptive and agonizing stories of the heart. She is a genius' Sali Hughes
'Irresistible, profound. Keyes's comic gift is always evident' Independent
'Joyful. Keyes' clever way with words and extraordinary wit. People stared at me as I laughed to myself' C.L. Taylor
'A born storyteller' Independent on Sunday
Winner of 'Author of the Year' at the British Book Awards May 2022
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In her fifth Walsh Sister novel (after Anybody Out There?), Keyes focuses on misanthropic youngest sister, Helen. In Post-Celtic Tiger Ireland, with her PI business dried up and her flat lost, Helen has moved back in with her flighty parents rather than with her boyfriend, Artie, a high-level forensics cop with three kids and an uncomfortably close relationship with his ex. Helen lands a job from old beau Jay, who is handling the reunion of '90s boy band the Laddz, provided she can get the reluctant Wayne Diffney, a.k.a. "the Wacky One," on board; the others "the Talented One," "the Cute One," "the Gay One," and "the Other One" are getting in shape and rehearsing. Helen likes the money the gig will bring, but Jay's desire to rekindle their relationship sinks her into another major depression, and she's not sure Artie will be able to handle it. Though the excessively noisy mystery gets too much play, Keyes's portrayal of depression is nuanced and authentic. Helen's vibrant voice is spot-on, and scenes with Artie illustrate her off-kilter personality, making it easy to see why he loves her.
Customer Reviews
I love Marian Keyes
Having read all of the books by Marian Keyes I was forever checking when this book would arrive! Feeling very attached to the Walsh family I was glad that the youngest sister Helen,s story was told. Helen is quite a sarcastic dark character but I felt the need to protect her as she goes through a lot mentally and emotionally whilst trying to tack down a missing boy band member. Meanwhile hilarity ensues as it usually does In Marian's books. I love it and I love Marian!
Waited so long for the Walsh family to return!
I am a huge Keyes fan and I believe the powerful and hard hitting issues she addresses in her writing are to be applauded...the issues of addiction separation death depression etc are lightened dramatically by Keyes warmth, humour and characters you really believe and root for.
This is the story of Helen Walsh...my favourite of the Walsh sisters in all of Marian's previous efforts. Helen was usually the device for comedy in earlier books...so I was worried that as she became the protagonist the humour would fade.
The Helen Walsh we are presented with is much changed and Keyes semi autobiographical theme of manic depression completely changes the once headstrong..caustic and fiery Helen Walsh. Her descriptions of depression are so raw and powerful and sometimes uncomfortable.
The story itself of a missing person that private detective Helen is tasked to find is entertaining enough if a bit wooly in places and the outcome Is fairly predictable. However as a whole piece of writing, Keyes does what she does best...she makes you think about things you really don't want to think about, she provokes an inner dialogue about themes we all face. Supporting characters of mammy Walsh and her boyfriends family are the comic relief and are excellent. Sub plots about former friends promise initially, but end up quite weak.
Marian Keyes could write a telephone directory and I'd read it, she is a fantastic author with a great touch...I hope this isn't the last we see of the Walsh family. A must purchase for newbies as well as the die hard Marian fans!! :) the mystery of mercy close 4/5 .
Fantastic!
Another great read from Marion