I’m an admirer of Barbara Copperthwaite’s books. She effectively combines a strong sense of place with intriguing plots and her latest book, Her Last Secret, continues this tradition. Chief Inspector Paul Ogundele is called to a house on Christmas Day after reports of gunfire and is shocked by a discovery. The narrative then tells the story of events leading up this and the secrets which threaten to overwhelm the family.
Copperthwaite effectively builds up a portrait of an outwardly ordinary family, parents Ben and Dominique and their daughters, Ruby and Mouse. The author explores one of my favourite themes: families and the secrets that they carry around with them. Mouse is the most intriguing of the characters. Bookish and introverted, the family appear at times unaware of her presence. Gradually the true nature of the individual characters are revealed and most, while unsympathetic, are entirely believable.
The dual timeline, the first beginning on the 17th December, interspersed with what the police discover on Christmas Day works extremely well and I found myself turning the pages to discover what caused the carnage. As much a character study as psychological thriller, this is the author’s best book yet and will appeal to fans of Ruth Rendell who miss her unique take on the weirdness within families.
Thank you for this wonderful review. I’m overwhelmed by the mention of Ruth Rendell x
LikeLike
It’s a great book.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This sounds like a very good book, but psychological thrillers of the Ruth Rendell type are sometimes too tense for me.
LikeLike
Thanks, Tracy. It’s a great book.
LikeLike
Fantastic review, Sarah! Thank you so much for being part of the the Blog Blitz!
LikeLike
My pleasure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
New author to me, but this sounds very tempting… I like the sound of the setting, especially as I like to do seasonal Christmas books on the blog in December….
LikeLike
It’s perfect for a seasonal read!
LikeLike