I think that this book should have been called The Wedding, as it is at the wedding of the year, in the Cornish town of Porthcudden ,of Fiona Kimberly to Hal Vaughan, that the passions, fears, hopes and resentments built up over a number of years come to a head and spill over into murder.
Pretty, spoilt, self-centred Fiona Kimberley has alienated many people in her short life, including her sister, father, and great Aunt. But not only family, she becomes by virtue of her wedding a target for hate from the gardener, the florist, the best man, the groom’s father to the parish priest. No mean feat in one so young.
This is a skilful piece of writing. The book opens on the day of the wedding at which we meet all the characters. When the murder is executed we know by what means, but not by whom? Stella Whitelaw then cleverly reveals the lives of those Fiona has purposely and inadvertently alienated..
I found this a fascinating story, so much so that even though I usually only listen to audio’s in the car, I found that with this book I couldn’t wait for my next drive out I had to take the book indoors and finish it - compelling. Highly recommended.
Patricia Gallimore did a fine job, her Adel, Fiona and Sandy were exceptionally good, although apart from Bert the gardener, most of the male characters sounded rather similar.
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Lizzie Hayes